Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I wish to comment on the points raised by Senator Higgins, which are echoed and agreed with by Senators right around the House, regarding supports for Deputies and Senators and the ongoing need for the development of supports for both groups considering their increasingly onerous roles. There are increasing demands on public representatives. Members know it is essential for a public representative not only to have secretarial help but also, from time to time, research assistance. It is critical that this is built into the process and that there is room and scope for the development of such services. I echo the remarks of other Senators about the improvements there have been, particularly in regard to the secretarial allowance and backup.

A number of Senators, myself included, are full-time public representatives. At my own expense I run a part-time office, almost full-time, in Nenagh in order to provide the fullest representation I can. Running a constituency office is increasingly onerous when one does not have the allowances that go with being a Member of the Dáil. Not every Senator operates at that level. I am not making a case just for myself but how many Bills have we had before the House in this term alone – 12 or 13?