Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

It is a great corner to go to when one has nothing else to say. I never suggested when I brought it forward six or seven months ago, when I discussed it in public and with colleagues, that this was the package. This is the psychological break that needs to be made so that reforms can be brought in. I agree with Senator Bannon and my colleagues that, when this break is made, there will be questions with regard to support services and facilities for Senators. I accept that views must be expressed on that and that conditions must be changed in regard to the relationship Senator O'Meara mentioned in terms of communicating and meeting with the electorate.

I have spoken to Senators, some not too far from me in the House, who have not been in the local government structure for many years but have had no difficulty attending conferences around the country and communicating with the electorate. I have to communicate with an electorate of 100,000 people in one small area despite not being on the local county or city council. However, I have the methods and means to do that.