Dáil debates

Thursday, 5 February 2009

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed)

 

12:00 pm

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I will begin with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission because it is where the bulk of politically-related expenditure rests and it is important that is addressed. I welcome the spirit of what was said by Deputy Burton and I am sure the different parties will work together on the commission in the national interest to secure the necessary savings.

Its budget is tri-annual and it will be reviewed this year because we are coming to the end of a three-year period. The special group on expenditure control is examining it and other items in the Central Fund in that context. Regarding savings this year, I would very much welcome the proposals of Opposition parties on what savings can be procured.

The position on the expenses of Deputies and Senators is that I can, by legislation, vary them but the constitutional convention must be that I do so after hearing the views of the commission. I am an adjunct to it in that respect, and necessarily so, and cannot unilaterally impose a change in the absence of force majeure extraordinary circumstances.

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