Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
308. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports in place or that can be put in place to facilitate those with a disability in elected office, either at Leinster House or in local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48623/26]
View answerIt is the responsibility of each local authority to ensure appropriate supports are in place for elected members with disabilities, alongside a statutory responsibility to ensure practical and appropriate access to its buildings and services under the Disability Act of 2005. Matters concerning Leinster House are for the Oireachtas to manage.
Obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, along with the Public Sector Duty placed on all public bodies, contribute to the development of a framework within which local authorities can ensure equitable access to policies, services and facilities for everyone, including elected members.
As part of the package of remuneration available to local authority elected members, members are entitled to avail of the Local Representation Allowance (LRA). Under the terms of this allowance, a member may claim on a vouched basis a broad range of eligible expenses, including should they wish to engage secretarial or administrative supports to assist them in their work.
Furthermore, my Department also issues annual calls for funding to local authorities to encourage more diversity in local government decision making and structures. For example, in 2023, recognising that there is potential for the use of technology to strengthen participation in local democracy, the Department launched a scheme to provide funding for the installation of hardware in council chambers where infrastructure is inadequate for the running of hybrid meetings. It is intended that facilitating remote attendance at local authority council meetings will increase the participation of persons with a disability, or who have caring or family responsibilities.
The issue of mechanisms to make the role of Councillor more attractive to a greater number of people from diverse cohorts, including women, migrant communities and persons with a disability is one which was included in the terms of reference of the Local Democracy Taskforce. The Taskforce presented its final report to me on 4 March 2026. A key consideration by the Taskforce when considering its Terms of Reference was that the recommendations made would be made in a manner that would allow for the successful implementation of the recommendations.
An implementation plan is currently being drafted with a view to bringing the report and implementation to plan to Government for consideration shortly. Following this, the report and implementation plan will be published and the process of implementing the reform policy ultimately agreed by Government will commence.
