Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Ceapaim gur féidir linn glacadh leis go bhfuil athruithe ag teastáil go géar san Oireachtas.

Reform of the Oireachtas tends to be talked about by Opposition and Government but it is a pattern that when in Government the people who talked about it in Opposition tend to go easy on it and when they are in Opposition they get strong about it again. When Deputy Hogan was in Government he had many opportunities to do something about it, but in this Government he will see, to start with, reform in the Seanad. I understand the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley will be able to speak more comprehensively on this aspect because we are now seeing reform.

This debate relates, particularly in the current economic climate, to the expenditure level of the Oireachtas more than anything else. It is very important that we in the Oireachtas take bold steps to see how we can save taxpayers' money. It may well mean fewer Ministers of State, but as all Deputies are aware——

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