Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I would like to make two points. First, 12 months ago one would have thought that this allowance was established for the current President in his previous term but it had to pointed out that it dates back to 1938. It not having been administered in a public fashion did not afford the President, as a candidate, any protection in regard to it. It is the responsibility of the Houses not to put the current President or future Presidents in the position of having to set up an independent committee. There is no doubt goodwill has been shown on the part of the President, as we said at the time.

Second, in regard to the committee's recommendation that this allowance be considered under Vote 1, therefore making it subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General, did the Department think we were suggesting it just be shoved into that Vote? Of course, it requires a change in legislation.