John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The topic of committee resourcing may be a matter for the Oireachtas but it brings into focus the rights of Members of the Houses and the activities of committees. It is time the balance was tilted in favour of Members because, in the current Dáil, it seems they are a secondary consideration. If we are to do our parliamentary duties in the way we should, then we need the resources, we need the powers of committees to be looked at, and we need to be supported in that task.

On the politically exposed persons legislation and what is coming from Europe, is it not time to reform that legislation and do something to attract people into politics? I do not want to push aside the need for transparency and accountability. However, I want a level playing field for everyone in the Houses, and in our local councils, in order that they clearly understand the legislation and what is required of them. I do not like the fact that all this activity, legislation and direction from Europe comes under the money laundering and criminal activity legislation. It is time that we focus on Members, and public representatives in general, and how they are exposed and how they need to account for themselves, thereby making it a little more attractive for people to come into politics.

Likewise, as regards the hate speech legislation, and the definitions therein and so on, does the Taoiseach agree that perhaps the debate in the Seanad should be stalled until maybe beyond Christmas in order that we can get a clear view of what is going on and an understanding of the concerns people who have written to us have? We have had quite an avalanche of letters and correspondence on this matter and it is time to look back and reflect.

In the context of the spending of money by various Departments and their accountability, because of the level of money now being spent by the State, it is time for reform of the Committee of Public Accounts, the Committee on Budgetary Oversight and the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach, to give time and scope to be able to examine the waste within the State and the waste created by the State. A lot of the money that is wasted, if it were saved, could be directed to some greater cause within the economy. Inflation is difficult, poverty is there, and there is an issue around vulture funds and the appearance of those involved in them at committees. Something needs to be done about that in particular.