€25m councillors’ bill defended

THE General Council of County Councils (GCC) yesterday defended the €25 million bill for county councillors’ expenses and allowances last year.

However, the GCC, which represents over 550 councillors, believes there should be more stringent controls on the type of conferences that their members attend.

GCC chairman John Egan said: "There must be tighter controls on conferences to ensure they give value for money and it would be better to spend the rest of the money on training."