Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

We are only discussing our situation here and how it might evolve. I have said on more than one occasion that I regret the rounding down of the entry point of the secretarial allowance. All of us depend on our secretaries. However, this is probably a matter for the commission to look at and deal with; it is not strictly a matter for legislation.

Research facilities have improved considerably during the years, both in terms of facilities in the Houses of the Oireachtas and those available to leaders of parties. One no longer has a one man research office, which was the situation 20 years ago. These matters need to be looked at and improved on a gradual basis.