Ex-councillors receive golden handshake on joining Dáil

New junior minister Sean Canney is among a dozen former county and city councillors who will receive golden handshake payments from the local authorities after securing Dáil seats in February.

Furthermore, TDs who quit local authorities to take their place in Leinster House will receive the gratuity payments when they turn 50, provided they served on the authority for at least two years, under local government legislation.

Mr Canney, who served on Galway County Council prior to his election to the Dáil, is entitled to a payment of €38,821.