Southside senator wants pay rise for councillors

A SOUTHSIDE senator has renewed his call for the issue of councillors’ pay to be addressed by the Government.

Senator Victor Boyhan (Ind), a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Local Government, believes that elected members of local authorities should receive between €25,000 and €30,000 per year, a figure well above the current €17,000 plus allowance and expenses they currently get.

A senior counsel has been tasked by the Government with compiling a report on pay and conditions for councillors, but has yet to make recommendations.

Senator Victor Boyhan said: “The basic rate of councillor pay is just over €17,000 per year, subject to standard income tax, USC and PRSI contributions. This is simply not sufficient or fair pay for the work and commitment that councillors give to the job.”

Senator Boyhan claimed councillors were frustrated with the lack of progress on the issue given that the Government appointed senior counsel in June 2018 to conduct an independent review of the role and remuneration of councillors.

He added: “As city and county councillors prepare to head back to their chambers across the country after the summer recess, it is timely that the Government address the issue of poor pay for councillors.”