John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I do not see a need for the Ombudsman because the commission is qualitatively different from the other bodies which have been mentioned. However, cognisance should be taken of the additional duties which are falling to the Clerk of the Seanad. Since I came to the House, the functions and role of the Clerk have become a burden. She is a member of the Boundary Commission and the Referendum Commission and now this commission. In addition, if we had our way in amending the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill 2002, the Clerk would also be a member of that commission. It is regrettable that she is not. Nevertheless, cognisance needs to be taken of the workload which is falling on the Clerk's shoulders.