Mr. Peter Finnegan:

During my time as Secretary General in the Houses of the Oireachtas, a number of issues have emerged as particularly significant. First is the issue of security. Last Wednesday, business resumed in the Houses and barriers were erected and roads closed around the Leinster House complex. It is a sad reflection of the level of threat that has emerged over the last number of years that such measures are now required. As a society, we need to reflect on this. In 2023, following a significant number of security and safety incidents involving Members and their staff, it was necessary to implement a security scheme for Members. The security requirements allowance is a contribution, now at a higher level, towards the installation costs of personal security measures for a Member and their staff, the Member's offices or the Member's home. Take-up is low, and we need to work with Members to determine why this is the case. However, security will remain a significant feature in the years ahead.

Second, there is the issue of universal access and, in particular, ensuring that Leinster House is an accessible and welcoming place for all Members and visitors. Following an accessibility audit, the service has been working with the Office of Public Works to prioritise projects to meet the recommendations. This will be a multi-annual programme but it is worth noting that a number of accessibility improvements have been completed or are currently under way. We will continue to work to improve the accessibility of the building over the coming years.

Third, the Oireachtas has been on a journey of significant and necessary digital transformation. Modernising our IT infrastructure is essential to provide a robust 21st-century service to our national Parliament and to support the work of what is a large and complex organisation. Continuous improvements in ICT are necessary in running our business and protecting our institution from cyberattacks. Digital infrastructure transformation and cybersecurity have thus become major elements of our non-pay budget.

This is only a flavour of some of the things that we do in the Houses. However, the scale and breadth of the work undertaken by the Houses continues to grow. In a period of rapid change, our parliamentary system must continue to evolve and serve the people of this country. I would like to finish by thanking the Members of these Houses for their support over the years. Gabhaim buíochas leo arís as an gcuireadh a bheith anseo inniu. Beidh áthas orm a gceisteanna a fhreagairt anois.