The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) has welcomed the news this morning that Cabinet has approved the proposal to proceed with the long awaited increase to our members pay in line with the recommendation from the Moorhead Report.
The increase in pay was approved by cabinet following proposals presented by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’ Brien TD, Minister of State, Peter Burke TD and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD based on recommendations from the Moorhead Report.
Cabinet have also approved an implementation date of 1st July next for this increase in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement the Moorhead Report on the Role and Remuneration of Local Authority Elected members within twelve months.
Commenting on the announcement President Cllr. Mary Hoade said;
“The decision by Cabinet today is a really welcome step in recognising the value and important role of our 949 Elected Members. It is imperative that Councillors are provided with a proper salary, at a realistic level, which is vital to not only to attract and sustain new Councillors but to also retain existing Councillors to serve at Local Authority level.”
Cllr. Hoade further added ”This announcement has been the result of an extensive campaign by AILG and others, over the last number of years, to ensure that our members have an appropriate salary reflective of the important work and time commitment that they dedicate to their role as a local Councillor.”
“I wish to thank AILG members both past and present for all their efforts over a long number of years in trying to secure better terms and conditions for councillors. I would also like to acknowledge all Oireachtas members, both past and present for their collective effort on this issue for many years and I sincerely hope that the Moorhead Report recommendations will reflect the huge work and long hours that all local authority members put in on a daily basis.”
The independent Moorhead report was published in June 2020 which reviewed the role and renumeration of Local Authority Elected Members. Ms. Moorhead was unequivocal in her report when she stated that she has “no hesitation in recommending an increase in remuneration for Councillors” and her acceptance that our members “workload has increased significantly since 2014”.
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