Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That does not include the €5 million that goes to the political parties, and which was not reduced by 17% when 17% of first preferences did not go to political parties. It does not include the 78 staff to run the Oireachtas. Let us, therefore, have an honest debate about this. Most, if not all, members of the Technical Group, including me, and the Independents have no difficulty with vouching.

All expenditure of public moneys should be vouched - I cannot put it any clearer than that. There must be leadership on this issue. If the Government intends to go back to the well and seek further sacrifices from the public, then we in this House must be seen to be doing the same ourselves. That is the thrust of what we are arguing for in this motion.

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