A HEATED debate took place at last week’s monthly meeting of New Ross Town Council over the issue of senior staff salaries at two of the town’s most noteworthy enterprises.

Cllr. John Dwyer asked officials if any response had been received from the JFK Trust relating to the salary of its Chief Executive Officer. He said that a letter received from St. Michael’s Theatre relating to a similar query about its CEO was “somewhat” of a response. The letter caused widespread criticism from councillors at their last meeting as it revealed the theatre Board had decided to adopt a policy whereby such figures would not be made public.

Cllr. Bobby Dunphy said he agreed “entirely” with Cllr. Dwyer in pursuing the matter and added that an erroneous report on the matter in a recent issue of the New Ross Standard had inadvertently taken people’s attention away from the real issue.

“It provided an escape clause,” said Cllr. Dunphy.

He added that the Council needed to write back and demand an answer to the query.

However, Cllr. Dwyer and Cllr. Dunphy’s views were completely opposed by Fianna Fail’s, Cllr. Anthony Connick, who said the matter had nothing to do with the Town Council.

“We are not financing them and it’s a waste of time and a waste of effort,” he said.

“Let’s move on it’s none of our business,” he added.

Cllr. Michael Sheehan then commented: “We should be in the position here where we are funding community groups.”

“Whether you agree or disagree they are public bodies,” he added.

However, Town Clerk, Ger Mackey, then said “neither of the two bodies are public bodies” – to which Cllr. John Dwyer countered: “But they are funded by tax-payers. There has to be accountability there.”