Councillor condemns conference spending as 'complete scandal' - Outlandish expenditure is very disturbing

Councillor Gerry GintyAN Independent member of Mayo County Council has condemned as ‘a complete scandal’ the spending of €89,120 by the authority last year to send elected members to conferences throughout the country.

Councillor Gerry Ginty, who failed in a bid at the 2012 budget meeting earlier this month to halt such an outlay, said he is amazed by the lack of public outrage over the matter.

The Ballina-based representative stated the payment of €5,152 to cover the cost of seven councillors who travelled separately to a conference on the future of local politics at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery, Co. Cork, from April 15 to 17 last raised serious questions.

“It is particularly unacceptable at a time when the social welfare benefits being paid to people with disabilities are being targeted by the government.

“This outlandish spending is also happening at a time when the council is struggling to find money to maintain its existing services.

“There is an onus on elected representative to show leadership and responsibility. But a proper example is not being set at the highest level of politics.

“It is little surprise that some councillors believe they have an entitlement to such expenses when they see their TDs and senators being paid extravagant amounts in expenses on an annual basis.

“What is also disturbing is that the public at large don’t seem to care because they keep electing these people every five years.

“And when a councillor like myself raising concerns over travel and conference expenses, we are shouted down by the main political parties before their members are involved in the conference circuit.

“Councillors who attend conferences will argue they are educational and provide valuable assistance to them in their work.

“But the truth is that all the information they require is easily accessible on the internet.”

Interestingly, none of the 25 elected members who went to conferences last year availed of the opportunity to attend one in their own county.