David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I have one brief point which is important. There are two issues involved. The leaders' allowance should be vouched. The practice of Independent Deputies receiving more than €40,000 in unvouched expenses must end. The Minister indicated that there may be changes and stated one of his colleagues is looking at this. It should change. There is no reason an Independent Deputy should get such an amount, unvouched. If that means leaders' allowances must be vouched across the board, that is the way it should be.

In regard to the representational allowances we receive, on which Senator Mullen touched, there are two options available, vouched and unvouched. My problem is that although one is paid both kinds, the vouched allowance is paid on a monthly basis, regardless of whether one spends it, and one must make a return at the end of the year. For example, if one opted for the vouched allowance of €15,000 and spent only €6,000 or €7,000, one must give the balance back at the end of the year. It would make much more sense to consider what local authorities do with conference allowances. One only claims when there is an allowance to claim. Rather than having those of us who choose the vouched option receive a monthly allowance and having to return most of it at the end of the year, there could be the option of when one incurs an expense, in advertising or in holding a meeting, or whatever, one would submit the expense or invoice to the one-stop shop and one would be reimbursed within a certain timeframe, be it a couple of weeks or a month. The practice of getting paid on a monthly basis, as if it were part of one's wages, and having to return part of it at the end of the year, must change.

Senator Mullen is right to state that because of this set-up Senators are choosing the unvouched system. It is a lesser amount but it may be better for some people because although they get less money they do not have to return it at the end of the year. The Minister and the Government should examine this because it is not the best way to administer an expense system.