Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

He might also say if the moneys for the Ceann Comhairle are being received by the Fine Gael Party. I do not see how the Ceann Comhairle, as an office, could be carrying out parliamentary activities and be provided with that allowance on behalf of a party the Ceann Comhairle can no longer be a member of because of the way the structure has been set up.

The Minister makes the argument that re-balancing is a normal thing when we are talking about a change midstream in regard to by-elections, when there is a change of Government without an election or where one party is amalgamated into another. However, where a substantial number of Members are expelled from a party, the party continues to receive that money.

To conclude, the Minister made the point that people who are selected as candidates stand by particular commitments, which is correct. In my case, I stood by the commitment that was given by the Taoiseach and that is the reason I find myself on this side of the House.

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