There could be an €800 pay rise on the way for Councillors from January.

At the moment, Councillors employed by local authorities, take home around €16,500 plus expenses a year.

However, Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar is considering proposals that could see them earn over €4,000 more over the next five years.

However, Councillor Kenneth O’Flynn of Cork says that he and his colleagues don’t need a pay rise.

“When I took my seat, or when I was gifted the seat by the people of Cork in 2009, I knew exactly how much the salary was, and I accepted that,” he said.

“I accepted that it was a part-time job. I didn’t get involved in politics to make money, or to make a living out of it, I got involved in politics to change people’s lives and help my local constituency.”