Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

The claim that Fianna Fáil Deputies are receiving multiples of what is paid to Independent Deputies is also incorrect. As an Independent, Deputy Donnelly personally receives €41,152. The first ten Fianna Fáil Deputies receive €71,000, which is less than twice that paid to Independent Deputies, the next 11 to 30 receive €57,000 each and above 30 the figure is €28,000. The idea behind this system is that the demands on a major Opposition party in terms of fronting Parliament and analysing major national events are different from the work of an Independent Deputy.

I am willing to consider these matters in the round. We have had extensive debates on the funding of politics by business and there was considerable pressure to exclude political donations of all kinds, even personal ones. From my perspective, I do not see a great difference between a cheque sent from Tony O'Reilly in a personal capacity and one from Independent News and Media. However, if one is to restrict private as well as public funding for political parties, how will the political system continue to operate? As we saw in the last referendum, there are significant external funders for debates in this country. I do not think that is healthy but we need to debate these issues.

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