Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I suggest that if the arrangements are being reformed now, the arrangements entered into by the Fianna Fáil-Labour Government in 1992 were sensible and fair. The Rainbow Government did not change those arrangements, but the Minister has said they were changed in 2001. I suggest they were simple, fair arrangements. Taking up the business of politics is risky and people can lose their seat at an election and have difficulty re-establishing themselves in another career. It is only right that should be acknowledged.

The Minister spoke about a 10% salary sacrifice by Ministers. Was that in respect of all their income as Deputies or was it just in respect of the ministerial allowance?

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