I will be very brief because I do not wish to delay the Minister. The Moorhead report is very close to my heart and to those of my colleagues. On councillors' pensions, there was to be a review after the local elections in May to put in place a plan for councillors in order that they would be remunerated in the proper way. I am curious to hear the Minister's thoughts about putting a plan in process to ensure that hardworking councillors are adequately taken care of.
Appropriation Bill 2024: Committee and Remaining Stages
SECTION 1
Question proposed: "That section 1 stand part of the Bill."
A few moments ago, I thought I had made my final contribution in this Seanad.
We have proved the Minister wrong. We love proving him wrong.
The Senator has proved me wrong. God knows what the afternoon could yet bring.
I was involved with the Moorhead report and with the various decisions we made on councillors' expenses and recognition for the very hard work they do. I will have to come back to the Senator separately on the status of the review of councillors' pensions. I am sure the matter is being dealt with by the Department of Housing and Local Government, which has not yet engaged with me on it. I imagine it will not be doing so in the coming days. It will fall to the Ministers of the next government to deal with this matter. I will find out the status of it and ensure the Senator is furnished with information on it.
I thank the Minister.
Question put and declared carried.
Sections 2 to 4, inclusive, agreed to.
Schedules 1 and 2 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without recommendation.
When is it proposed to take Report Stage?
Now.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Bill received for final consideration.
When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?
Now.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Question, "That the Bill be returned to the Dáil.", put and agreed to.
Cuireadh an Seanad ar fionraí ar 2.34 p.m. agus cuireadh tús leis arís ar 3.17 p.m.
Sitting suspended at 2.34 p.m. and resumed at 3.17 p.m.