Seanad debates
Thursday, 26 June 2003
Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill 2002: Second Stage.
A brief reference was made to the allocation of moneys, particularly to Independent Members who will receive funds to help them to acquire support services. Attempts were made in the late 1980s to give cash to Members to organise their own secretarial and research facilities, but the proposal received a frosty reception from unions and their members. I am sure the commission will examine how it can best be utilised. Members have differing demands in terms of secretarial back-up. Some people might not take on board the wisdom of their advisers, regardless of how many of them there are, whereas others such as myself are like sponges for advice all the time. This issue will be examined.
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