Seanad debates

Wednesday, 15 July 2009

Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Bill 2009 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I am not in a position to say. In such matters I simply tend to concentrate on what I consider to be right for myself, without looking at other people whose situations may differ from mine. As for ministerial credit cards, I have such a credit card of which I make very little use. I use it for train fares to official functions or if I am obliged to stay overnight in a hotel somewhere. I am sure such information is available under freedom of information regulations and that the sums involved are small.

While discussing the issue concerning signing in and signing out, the question was raised as to what is the role of Oireachtas Members. Our role as legislators is important. I remember putting "active parliamentarian" on the second line of one of my election posters, only to be ridiculed by some journalists from the newspaper of record, who queried how anyone would want an active parliamentarian. It is necessary to have Members in these Houses who attach adequate importance to their parliamentary work.

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