Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

It would be a serious issue if the Ombudsman were to conclude that a Member had subverted the process. However, I do not know how one can subvert the process when the criteria are laid out, there is a closing date for applications and one must follow the process and be accountable for one's actions. Deputy Boyle has not been in Government but I assure him it is impossible to take some of the actions it has been alleged one can take within a Department.

Deputy O'Shea talked about the need to give politics a good name. There is a temptation for all of us when in Opposition to fall into the simple game of playing to the public and media galleries and satisfying those who want to believe politicians are up to no good. Let us be honest. By throwing around innuendo like snuff at a wake, politicians have often been their own worst enemy. I accept the temptation is there when in Opposition and it is sometimes difficult to resist. However, this does not mean it is virtuous behaviour or a good idea. I do not claim to be more virtuous than any other Member.

We have written into this Bill the types of practices I used in the CLÁR programme, which Members have agreed are good. I included them because they are sensible, fair and equitable. I do not believe I am particularly virtuous for taking this approach but it is the best way to do business. I do not contend that any other Members would not take the same approach in my position. We have cemented this type of approach into the legislation. It is not a case of whether somebody in the future will take the same approach. They are obliged to do so because it is written into the legislation. If I were an Opposition Member, I would prefer to be dealing with current Opposition Members in Government than with a system that did not have the wherewithal to disburse funds and for which there is no accountability.

The vast majority of persons who have served in this House have been hard working, honest and dedicated. They have tried to do their best and to be fair. There have been exceptions to this rule but there is no reason to believe the percentage of such is any higher than the percentage of exceptions to good practice on independent boards through the years. A higher percentage than in the general public of the people who enter this House are incredibly dedicated to the good of citizens.

One issue that has arisen in regard to this Bill makes me laugh. I have a good supply of the mailshots other Members distribute. I do not produce them as it is not my way of working. I may be incorrect in this and the approach of other Members may be correct.

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