Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader about an issue that has come up that warrants raising here on the Order of Business. As Members would be aware, the remuneration and expenses paid to Members of the Houses are now fully vouched, which, of course, we all welcome as a much more transparent system and one that was needed for a long time. There is, however, a situation that remains with regard to the representation allowance that will be paid to Senators next year.

The audit criteria for the allowance have been approved for the coming year, with the agreement of the Minister. The criteria are prohibitively narrow in the view of most Members and need to be altered and adjusted to ensure they can do their work fully and claim the appropriate expenses in line with the legislation and existing statutory instrument. It seems the Minister is not prepared to issue a statutory instrument to take cognisance of and give effect to the necessary parameters pertaining to eligible expenses. For the past year and a half many of us have pursued this matter privately with the Minister, the Oireachtas commission and administration committee. I ask the Leader to arrange with the Cathaoirleach and relevant authorities an immediate meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. A delegation should meet the Minister to seek the introduction of the necessary statutory instrument before the recess. Failure to do so will have unintended consequences for all Senators, which will impinge on their ability to successfully perform their duties.