Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I cannot say what I might do in future. As I said, I accept that political parties have their place. Equally, however, there should be respect for Deputies who are not members of parties. Since the establishment of the State, Ireland has had a history of electing significant numbers of Independents. The funding to which I am referring was placed on a formalised footing in 1938 by de Valera's Government. Independent representation has always been a feature of the House to a greater or lesser degree. What I am proposing is that the portion of this funding which corresponds to the percentage of Independent representation in the House should not go into the pot for the parties to divide among themselves. The total amount should be discounted by the 17% mandate given to Independents at the last general election.

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