Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

If it is done otherwise, the complaint that is made at the moment will be made in reverse. The problem is that all of these matters are sometimes portrayed in a manner that is unfair on everybody. It is important for the public to understand that the moneys spent by those who act on behalf of taxpayers are accounted for in a transparent manner. I am totally in favour of such a system. If people are to know what it is about, it needs to be explained rather than simply thrown out there. As Deputy Gilmore said, people tend to think that those who are paid larger expenses enjoy lavish lifestyles. The reality is that those who do not have similar responsibilities do not incur similar expenses.

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