Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

When we discussed this on Committee Stage, I had the temerity to point out that when the Deputy's party was in Government, it was happy to take the full complement of the money. It was my colleague, Deputy Quinn, when he was Minister for Finance, who thought it should be rebalanced to ensure the Opposition is enhanced and the parties in Government disadvantaged given that they have additional supports available to them. That is a good principle. The issue is what quantum should apply. I disagree with Deputy Fleming inasmuch as this allowance is not for Ministers. Ministers have parliamentary supports in terms of advisers and Departments. However, there is a big phalanx of backbenchers, particularly in this Dáil, who should be entitled, given that we are trying to enhance Parliament, to draft their own legislation for the Friday sittings, critique legislation and formulate policies, and have the support to do that. There is a need to support research and activities of the parliamentary parties on the Government side of the House over and above what is available to the Government. The balance of two thirds and one third is right.

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