Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

As we approach probably the most difficult budget in the history of the State, does the Minister agree that the Government must be seen to lead by example in this field? Does he believe the size of ministerial offices working for constituency purposes should be controlled among office holders and that Ministers drawing cash allowance in lieu of secretarial assistance should be discontinued? Does he believe we need to have proper verification of expenses, both that they are properly incurred and that they are for proper purposes? I am sure he will share my dismay at reports of cases where the purposes for which allowances are being deployed do not appear to follow proper criteria. When does he believe he will have final decisions, particularly in regard to Ministers' pay and conditions and the Oireachtas expense regime? Does he expect to have those matters decided prior to the budget in order that they will be a factor in putting together an overall package?

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