Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

In discussing this issue one should acknowledge the progress made during the years. When I worked in Leinster House in the 1980s, three or four Senators shared a secretary. Matters have improved greatly in that we now have a secretary for every two Senators and also get a secretarial allowance which helps with secretarial assistance in the constituency. I agree with Senator Higgins that we should move as soon as practicable and as soon as the public finances allow to a ratio of 1:1. There is evolution in the role of Members of both Houses. In the early 1980s when Members went into opposition, even Front Bench spokespersons went back to their jobs. There was a sort of one man Opposition in that era which Senator Higgins might remember. To expect both a full-time secretary here and a full-time secretary in the constituency is probably rather jumping one's fences.