Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I have not yet decided but I am concerned about the number of people who wish to vote "Yes" but for several reasons, including the way they have been mistreated and let down with false promises, they could vote the other way. They must get important and clear messages about stimulation packages and so forth and clear commitments that they will get what they vote for, and that it will not be a case of voting for one thing and getting something else. That must change.

Deputy Hayes also referred to the system being family friendly. Certainly, the Houses of the Oireachtas should be more family friendly. People talk about what we do and what we waste but apart from the offices there are no decent services for ordinary Members. I am not looking for a five star hotel, but there is no rest area. There are very few areas where one can have a private space. There is no sacred space for prayer. There should be one, regardless of the god one wishes to worship. There should be a sacred space in the House where Members can have five or ten minutes of solitude or to talk to their maker, whatever description that maker might have. That uninterrupted and peaceful space should be available for both Members and staff. I believe it is a shame and it beggars belief that it is not available. There should be such a space in these buildings for everybody.

Independent Deputies have been attacked by various Members since we were elected. I receive a leader's allowance. I never knew it existed until I left the party and became an Independent Member. It is approximately €41,000; I do not know the exact figure. However, if one analyses the party funding, it is a con job. Jibes are thrown at us all the time. We get the same staff as other Members but they also have party staff. I have all the facts and figures. I compliment Deputy Catherine Murphy on the parliamentary questions she put down and the replies she received from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin. That money is constantly being thrown at us but other Members cannot see what I could not see for four years of the last Dáil, the amount of money the parties get on their behalf.

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