John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

This is essentially a technical Bill. In supporting it we are supporting a welcome change in payment method from the Oireachtas to Europe to allow parliamentarians in Europe to look after their own affairs from a financial perspective, which is only right and proper.

Other changes appear to be warranted, including the single payment for all MEPs. This change is laudable in terms of the differences in pay available to parliamentarians from each member state of the EU. I am conscious that a member from Italy may well benefit from €140,000 while a member from Hungary might benefit from only €14,000. This measure provides certainty and ensures the system is uniform. Provision is also made for changes to superannuation. While the superannuation scheme is a generous one, when all is taken into account, and not everyone likes flying, especially during the winter months, Members deserve it. Even though they are well paid, they work hard and their constituencies are enormous. For example, the Ireland South constituencies is the size of many small states, including Israel and Lebanon, and at least five or ten of the US states are smaller. The Ireland North-West constituency is, I imagine, even larger, stretching from the top of Donegal to the Shannon and including parts of Ulster such as Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan, parts of Leinster including Longford and Westmeath and all of Connacht and part of Munster, including Clare.

This is a technical Bill which seeks to ensure our Members are well looked after in Europe, that any anomalies that appear, such as questions that have arisen in respect of the claiming of expenses which are to be vouched in future, are addressed and that Members who turn up to perform their duties will receive a significant payment. The level of commitment, constituency size, input and expertise necessary requires that payment in this area reflects that paid in the private sector. That is the way we have always envisaged the public sector would work.

The measures introduced in this Bill will result in a €1.8 million per annum saving to the Irish Exchequer, which is broadly to be welcomed. Members may choose to become part of the new system or, if existing Members, opt to remain part of the old system. The Bill is technical and is broadly to be welcomed. I am sure it will find support on all sides of the House. It includes amendments of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and amendment of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Act 2003 and, in doing so, improves the lot of our Members in Europe. It streamlines how membership operates while ensuring responsibility for Members is retained by the Oireachtas. It ensures Members will be looked after and will have the facilities they need to operate. While the allowances provided may seem generous they are only proportionate to their responsibilities. I believe this technical Bill should be broadly welcomed.