Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I listened attentively to the contributions made and, in general, I believe Members support what we are doing. I listened in particular to the point Deputy Shatter made on the pensions, which I suppose is a shortcoming, but in the current climate we are living in there are very few Members in the House who would complain in that regard.

In recent times our pay and expenses have come under major scrutiny from the press and much of what was written was misinformed in many respects but as Deputy Creighton said, it is important that we have a system that is transparent and accountable. We saw the recent goings on across the water where a different system is in place but one that has done politics a great deal of damage. It is important we do not allow that type of system develop here.

What is being proposed appears to have support from all parties. When it comes to issues like pay and expenses it is important that there is one voice on it. Whether one is a member of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour or Sinn Féin, we would all agree it is important that the pay that goes with the job must be attractive enough to encourage people to come into the House and work here. We must ensure we attract a good cross-section of people, whether they are from the business sector or elsewhere, and that the 166 people elected here are representative of the country. That could be tradespeople, people in business, teaching or sport but it is important that they are from many fields.

I am aware many Members have come under a great deal of pressure recently and almost felt it necessary to offer a reduction in their salary, expenses, pension or whatever because someone in the constituency or from another party was doing that. I am glad we are dealing with the issue in a more mature way here in the House today.

The downturn in the economy has placed enormous pressures on people. Many of those fortunate enough to be in employment will have taken reductions in their take-home pay, be it a reduction in their salary, levies that have been introduced or other taxes. There are very few people in a better position financially today than they were 12 months ago.

Those of us who are Members of this House are in an honoured position. Very few people get the opportunity to represent their people. While being elected here is a great honour, it also brings with it great responsibilities and on the area of pay in particular it was important that we should show leadership.

I compliment the Taoiseach and the Government on the initiative they took in the budget of 14 October when Ministers decided to take a reduction in their salary, and the further moves that have been made since. They have provided leadership and shown the people that we are not just asking the rest of the public to make sacrifices unless we are prepared to make them ourselves. The reduction in the numbers of Ministers of State was a further indication of the change we were prepared to make and that we were not asking the public to take something we were not prepared to take ourselves.

The measures we have introduced in recent months have meant a significant reduction in the take-home salary of all Members in the House. It is fitting that should be so but we must strike a balance while ensuring that the salary is attractive enough to attract good people into the House, and that will always be the way.

I welcome the move and acknowledge the mature way it has been approached by all parties. The cross-party approach is the best way to deal with what is a delicate issue. I compliment everyone involved and wish the Minister well in his efforts.

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