Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I support Senator Higgins's amendment. It is important, in terms of the construction of the commission, that it should include a representative of the staff of the Houses. One can think of boards throughout the country at various levels, and not only in the public sector, where the voice of the worker is heard. Considering the power and the role of this commission, particularly in relation to staff in the Houses, it would be appropriate that the staff were represented on it. That would send out an important signal and enhance the work of the commission. It would get away from the notion of a top down style of management towards a more co-operative and partnership style which previous Governments and the current one have promoted strenuously over the past few years.

One would think that instead of just talking the talk we would walk the walk in the setting up of this commission to run our own business in the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is an important principle which might seem like a small thing, but it is a very important issue. The Government should take on board the need for partnership and best management in the work the commission can do.