Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I do not want to name names but I wish to refer to the incident in Wexford where the use of Oireachtas envelopes before the election has become a source of major controversy. Rightly or wrongly, a perception has arisen in recent days that the envelopes in question emanated from a Member of this House. Senators need all the secretarial services provided to them to exercise their duties and functions, as we are all well aware. If there is an abuse of the system — it is clear that there is a school of thought that believes that is the case — the Leader should review the matter as soon as possible.

It is very important that Members of the Seanad are seen to work in a professional manner that is fully linked to their parliamentary duties. If there was an abuse of the parliamentary system, I would not like the finger of blame to be pointed automatically at the Seanad. The coverage of this issue is very unfair and I urge the Leader to examine it seriously.