John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

The Bill represents a significant advance, notwithstanding some of the deficiencies about which I too am concerned and which I will address presently.

It is important that we recognise the constitutional importance of this. Article 15 of the Constitution states:

The Oireachtas may make provision by law for the payment of allowances to the members of each House thereof in respect of their duties as public representatives and for the grant to them of free travelling and such other facilities (if any) in connection with those duties as the Oireachtas may determine.

It can be seen then that we have very substantial powers under the Constitution. The reality is that someone else has to pay, and in that respect the Minister for Finance has always been in a very strong position. It is worth recording the fact that the power rests with us under the Constitution, therefore we are entitled to exercise that power.

Another aspect of this legislation referred to by several speakers is research. I share the view that our facilities are grossly inadequate in that respect. However, we have to acknowledge that things have improved enormously. I have been a Member of the House for 13 years. When I came here we had only a golf-ball typewriter. The only equipment we received on my first day here was a dictaphone. When I asked where the fax was, I was told it was in party headquarters. When I asked where the PC was, I was told I was to bring my own, and even if I did it was not insured as the Government carried the insurance on the Houses of the Oireachtas. This demonstrates that we have come a good distance from the situation in 1989 and that is to be welcomed, but we still have some distance to go.

One of the principal areas where improvement is necessary is research. I share the view of Senator Higgins that it is much more difficult, when in Opposition, to respond effectively to legislation or to anything that is coming through. This is not to make any party political point, but I believe that the legislation passing through the Houses, even statements on policy issues, could be greatly enhanced by proper research support, particularly on the Opposition side of the House.

When I was on that side of the House and amendments to Bills were required, it was frequently the staff in the Clerk's office, at 10 o'clock or 11 o'clock at night, who were helping us to draft the amendments. That is what it came down to, unless one had the expertise of some legal eagle available to help. That is not good enough. Apart from the politics of it, there is the implementation and improvement of the law to be considered. It is just not good enough.