Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh. I listened attentively to the Second Stage speeches on this legislation. There are differing opinions on all sides of the House on the Bill. However, as the Minister of State and Senator Hanafin pointed out, this is enabling legislation which will allow the Minister for Finance to introduce various regimes in respect of allowances, expenses etc. To my knowledge, a decision on the introduction of such regimes has not yet been made but I urge the Minister to make such a decision with haste.

Anyone who has small children will be familiar with the television cartoon "Dora the Explorer". In that programme, the expression "Swiper no swiping" is used. That expression is appropriate in respect of the legislation we are debating. As Government Chief Whip, I am in a position to state that it would make my job much easier if colleagues were obliged to use swipe cards on entering and leaving the Houses.