Councils angry as Gormley fails to act on expenses cap

THE country’s local councillors have expressed frustration with Environment Minister John Gormley for failing to act speedily on their offer to cap a controversial allowances’ regime.

The councillors recently proposed a personal ceiling of between €5,000 and €6,000 on training expenses each year. This would be spent on the cost of courses and the expense of attending conferences. It would be policed by internal oversight committees in each council.

The councillors’ representative said they expect new national rules to be introduced before December’s budget.