€1m payout to TDs ‘not compensation’

ENVIRONMENT Minister Martin Cullen has insisted that a €1m payout to TDs forced to give up their council seats is not a form of compensation.

The minister yesterday said the 127 deputies and senators affected by changes to local government were entitled to a gratuity of 7,600 under existing legislation. The abolition of the system, known as the dual mandate, was announced yesterday and means local government will be separated from national government for the first time in the history of the State.

Mr Cullen said the system would lead to a significant influx of new blood and reinvigorate local authorities. The measures, however, have met with opposition from a number of Fianna Fáil TDs and senators, who have publicly voiced their discontent on the issue.