Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)

I will briefly raise a matter we have discussed recently, one that is a significant topic for many Senators. I welcome Councillor Charlie Farrelly and his good wife to the Chamber. It is lovely to see them. I have been discussing councillors’ pensions since before the Moorhead report, which recommended that a commission be set up in May 2024 after the local elections. Since then, I have been dealing with the Minister, Darragh O’Brien, and the line Minister of State, Deputy Dillon. In fairness, both have taken on board and agreed with the concept that, no less than any other public servant when leaving a position, for example, an Oireachtas Member, councillors are entitled to a pension outside the lump sum they are guaranteed. I am delighted now to be able to write to inform Members and councillors that this has been recognised and agreed for the first time with the Minister and Minister of State and that it will be addressed. It needs to be addressed urgently. The Minister of State and the Minister have written to me agreeing that the commission is to be set up at the first available opportunity. Please God, the problem of the inaccuracies and shortfalls in pensions for hard-working councillors will be addressed when the next Dáil is formed. If I am returned, I will keep working on this issue for councillors. It is a priority. Councillors are the hardest working politicians in Ireland and the lifeblood of our political system, and they are entitled to a pension.