Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Twomey and compliment Senator Hannigan whom I heard on radio this morning. He fairly and accurately outlined the position vis-À-vis the commission and the Department of Finance. There has been a delay and that logjam must be broken down and cleared. I agree with Senator O'Toole and others that no one would object to the figures being published monthly on the website or in Iris Oifigiúil. No one is trying to hide anything. When these figures appear in the press, they appear large because they cover a period of one or two years, as was the recent case. However, they represent a reimbursement for the expenses incurred by Members. As stated by Senator O'Donovan and others, we must clear the fog. I would welcome a debate in the House.

Once again, I will make a plea regarding Killarney House, a great and historic landmark building in the heart of our national park. It has been allowed to fall into rack and ruin. Upon recent examination, not a single cent of the basic moneys allegedly provided to secure the fabric of the house seems to have been expended. It is terrible to see the petty vandalism and so on that has befallen the vicinity. It does not speak well for us. The house is a beautiful building in a beautiful part of the world. Visitors like to stroll casually down the cherry orchard drive close by. I am making another plea. This situation is injuring our tourism. We are suffering as it is and we have not had a good season, as the Leader knows. Will he use his influence with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, as he did previously? The house is attached to the national parks and wildlife service, which falls within the heritage remit of the Minister's Department.