Some Waterford Councillors have criticised a news report that suggested they claimed €7,000 in expenses for a one night training event in Monaghan.
Opinion is divided on the usefulness of these training trips for councillors. Some sources claim these training trips are a pointless expense and say that while some Councillors choose not to take part, others seem to go on as many as they can.
Other sources believe these training trips are an essential part of the job of being a Councillor; and while some events turn out to be more useful than others, they are working events where Waterford should be represented, as it allows Councillors to learn new skills and make contact with other councils and councillors.
In terms of how the expenses are calculated, it was explained that receipts are not shown, but the distance and engine size of the car is taken into account. It was suggested that this explains why some councillors who travel from the west of the county and have larger vehicles, would have higher claims.
The article which caused the stir among councillors appeared recently online by another news outlet.
“I think the article was very unfair,” said Labour councillor John Pratt, speaking to The Munster Express. “It just said Waterford Councillors claim seven grand, but you have to actually go in and read the whole thing to see that it was divided between nine people,” he pointed out.
“I really don’t think it’s fair to have just two pictures [of two councillors] up on social media like that. We don’t calculate the mileage, that’s all done for us. I love my job but sometimes the abuse we get makes it hard. Social media has changed everything.”
The Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan, where the event was held, is a three and a half hour journey from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
The figures for each of the councillors’ mileage, training costs, and subsistence are listed on public documents in the following order: Pat Nugent, €816; Damien Geoghegan, €883; Jason Murphy, €811; John Pratt, €946; John O'Leary, €823; Declan Clune, €807; Lola O'Sullivan, €673; Niamh O'Donovan, €575; Tom Cronin, €910.
As would be expected, online comments on the situation are mixed. However, a notable number of commentors are defending the Councillors.
One commentor said: “The trip to Monaghan is 300 km each way, so 600 km, that’s less than €1 a km, to cover fuel, insurance, wear and tear on their own personal cars. This is absolutely standard practice in any company. Just because you work in the public sector doesn’t mean you should not get the same as every other employee in this country. When they do a crap job and get things wrong, yes we should be calling them out, but seriously this is normal in any large private company”.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
AARON KENT
