A €5,000 fund councillors are allowed to spend on improving security measures in their homes and offices could be increased, after it emerged just 23 of Ireland's almost 1,000 local politicians applied for the support last year.
Fine Gael TD and Minister of State for Local Government John Cummins confirmed the move is being considered during a Seanad debate.
Under current rules, councillors can apply for a €5,000 per councillor fund to improve security and safety measures on their homes and offices, a figure that mirrors a similar €10,000 grant for TDs and senators.
Any councillor who applies for the €5,000 fund must repay €2,500 of it, while any work involved must be undertaken by an official private security team and only after a crime prevention officer report occurs.
During a Seanad debate, Fine Gael senator Garret Ahearn asked Minister Cummins if the existing funding levels are enough.
Noting the fact just 23 councillors out of 949 applied for the support last year - amounting to €115,000 out of an €4.745m being drawn down - Mr Ahearn said he has been told the figure and the 50% repayment rate mean local politicians do not believe the safety measure is affordable.
Responding to the question, Minister Cummins said "all elected representatives should be free to carry out their role" without safety concerns, and that existing risks are "deterring potential new candidates and others to withdraw from public life".
He confirmed that officials from his Department have been in contact with Revenue about the 50% repayment issue, and that Revenue has said it "isn't an issue" for them if this changes.
Minister Cummins added that he has now asked his Department's officials to provide a business case to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to examine potential changes to the fund and if they would involve any "unforeseen costs".
Discussions over a potential increase in the amount of money available to councillors for security and safety measures comes after a perceived increased risk to politicians in recent years.
