Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 4, between lines 10 and 11, to insert the following subsection:

"(3) Section 4 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting the following subsection after subsection (4):

"(4A) The Commission may prepare and publish guidelines for members of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann in relation to the use of services and facilities provided out of public funds and—

(a) may provide such services and facilities following a dissolution of Dáil Éireann, and

(b) shall specify an appropriate charge for such use made other than in respect of duties as public representatives.".".

The amendment stands in the name of the Minister for Finance and Deputies Howlin, Paul McGrath, Nolan and O'Donnell. It was one of the issues raised with the Minister for Finance by the members of the commission and it has been proposed to facilitate the Oireachtas commission. It will enable the commission to prepare and publish guidelines for Members as regards the use of services and facilities provided out of public funds. The amendment is an enabling one. It will be for the commission to draw up and publish the guidelines, which will be done having regard to the obligations which exist under the Constitution.

See this speech in context