Seanad debates
Thursday, 26 June 2003
Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill 2002: Second Stage.
The issue of secretarial assistance was raised by some Senators. The pay element is being examined and I acknowledge the deficiency in that regard. The question as to whether Senators should have their secretaries in their home office or in their constituency was raised by Senator Browne. I am aware that a number of Senators were previously Deputies and had their constituencies and would wish to be back in that position. There are a number of young Turks, such as Senator Browne, who perhaps wish to be Deputies in the future and would like to have the use of an office. That is a matter of balance. There is provision for resources. The Seanad will have a substantial say in the work of the commission and how it applies those resources.
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