Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister's indication that he will make a decision before the budget because the credibility of the entire House will be on the line unless we are shown to be able to reform the way we operate ourselves.

The approach of Ministers to allowances and to their own ministerial offices needs to be significantly curbed. To state that there is an arrangement in place does not meet that requirement. There would be an expectation that adjustments would be greater by those who hold ministerial office and have greater access to support. That would be a fair expectation in a system of reform.

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