Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I believe the majority of Members of Dáil Éireann are characters who will put the national interest first. They will not play to the media to get cheap headlines or be insincere in what they do. I have every confidence in the Members of this House and Seanad Éireann. We must trust ourselves, notwithstanding the criticisms of the past. If we look back all the time, we can never move forward. It is important that any proceedings are free from bias and that fair procedures are always adhered to. I welcome the compellability of witnesses because it is essential. We need to trust our legislators and ourselves. As politicians, we must prove that politics is an honourable profession. We must revisit that point. The majority of us are honourable and decent people. We are involved in politics to serve our people. As Teachtaí Dála, we are not here to get cheap headlines or to act insincerely. The primary purpose of this Bill is to create a legal and logistical framework for Oireachtas inquiries into matters of significant public importance. It can be done. It must be done because the people do not want a repeat of, for example, the 14-year Mahon tribunal, which cost approximately €100 million. That model is done. It is time for a new way of doing business. This can be achieved regardless of ideologies or party political positions.

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