Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Events have moved quickly in regard to the resignation of the Ceann Comhairle. I suppose it was inevitable when one considers the wave of public anger and also the unreasonable nature of some of the expenditure. I am concerned that the debate was led largely from the outside by the media, with politicians and political party leaders reduced to the role of vying for the job of dealing the fatal blow. The leader of Fine Gael ended up in the role of picador while the leader of the Labour Party got the job of matador. That we could not have had more civilised circumstances, in which the Ceann Comhairle would have stepped aside while an independent person carried out a proper, objective analysis of what had taken place, makes me despair of our political culture. I reiterate what I said yesterday, namely, that we need some distinguished independent person to examine the issue of expenses of Members of the Oireachtas. The person would not just report back to the commission, as was mentioned by Senator Feeney yesterday, but would be trusted to take on the task in respect of Members and Ministers and the particular roles of the Cathaoirleach and Ceann Comhairle, which are special positions. There must be a person responsible for signing off.

A person in a public role is entitled to know what he may spend and what is considered legitimate. The post facto shaming of the Ceann Comhairle not only diminishes him but also the process that is in place. It reflects on how badly we have prepared for such moments and on our failure to put together a proper system in which all could have confidence.

The new regulations that stipulate that foreign nationals on student visas cannot work for more than 15 hours per week is worthy of debate in the House. This stipulation will cause severe hardship to many who have been working here for years, including in catering and finance, and paying tax. For many, it will effectively mean having to leave. This is not becoming of Ireland of the welcomes, and effectively dumping on others is not the way in which we should be responding to the economic crisis.