Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Burke for sharing his time with me. I welcome the Bill. It is a good idea to separate the operation of the Oireachtas from the role of the Minister for Finance as the person who keeps control over the public finances and yet makes money available to the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Like many of my colleagues, I agree that not only should the benefits be passed on to the parliamentarians, they should also be passed on to the general public whom we represent. Obviously if we can enhance the role of our own offices it will be a good result.