Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit agus cuirim fáilte roimh an mBille. Tá sé tráthúil go mbeadh reachtaíocht den saghas seo ag teacht os comhair an tSeanaid. Tá obair agus freagracht uile ghabháileach ar an gcoimisiún agus mar sin, tá sé tábhachtach ó am go chéile athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar sin. I welcome the Minister of State. In 2003 when we embarked on the legislation to establish a new commission it was quite clear at that time we were entering into uncharted waters, so to speak, in many ways. It was evident that from time to time, it would be important to review that legislation and the operation of the commission. It is only right to begin this debate by acknowledging the work of the commission to date. It has an exceptionally wide remit and much wider than is generally known outside the Oireachtas. It has presided very well over the smooth running of the services of the Houses of the Oireachtas. We are living in different times now and because of the changed economic times, people are taking a much closer and detailed interest in parliamentary operations. The commission has a relatively large budget and for this reason is coming under increasing scrutiny. The change of name of the commission to the Houses of the Oireachtas Service is important as it gives a distinctive corporate identity to the commission.

I refer to existing similar models of this type of institution in other countries. To some extent we have fallen behind what is available in other countries but this provision will be a form of catching up. I note the operation of the commission will be discussed in both Houses and accountability will underpin those discussions. I say this not by way of criticism but to underline the potential which exists for the commission. It would be helpful for all Members to be kept up to date and be aware of the activities of the commission. Recent discussions regarding issues of expenditure were publicised in the media in what was a half-baked way. It would have been preferable if such information had been presented in a controlled and accountable fashion within the Houses of the Oireachtas. I expect this will be accommodated in the new legislation.

I hope this legislation will be a step towards an independent section of the Civil Service which underlines and underpins the independence of Parliament as this is very important. This is not meant to be a criticism of the staff because they have done an exceptionally good job in a very professional, calm and quiet manner. We should acknowledge their work. However, it is important to allow for the independence of Parliament and for this to be evident to the public. I see this legislation as a step in that direction.

Issues have been brought forward by the Minister of State. I refer to a figure of €360 million to be allocated over a three-year period. The Minister of State has helped us to understand this but he is not saying this must be spent. The drawing down of that money is very much a matter for the Houses themselves. We need to ponder on this point. I note that in his nice Munster manner he put forward a challenge to this House. We must also judge how effective and efficient we can be and how we can make savings because this is how we will be judged finally and not by another body such as the commission being accountable. Many of the debates in this House have been exceptionally inspiring. People are very open to identifying ways of saving money. I refer to the amount of paperwork emanating from the Houses of the Oireachtas which is quite extensive. We should examine ways of making significant savings in that regard and include the personnel aspect of copying documents, etc. This is only one aspect.

I suggest the House consider arranging for an extension in sitting hours. I am not trying to be populist in this regard. We should sit longer hours when possible. We patted ourselves on the back when we sat until 8 a.m. when dealing with the banks issue and we all felt the better for it because we felt we were giving a better service. Two nights' ago the House sat until 11.30 p.m. or midnight. I do not mean this should be the normal practice but we should look at how we can use the time of the House more effectively which also provides a challenge for Members.

I do not mean this as any criticism nor to mean there was any vacuum in this regard but a code of conduct for members of the commission is important for the members themselves. In many ways these were the kind of issues we knew we would have to deal with when the commission was established in 2003.

I do not wish to denigrate the amendments tabled for Committee Stage but the small number of amendments suggests a fairly general welcome for this legislation as proposed. I am happy that when we take Committee Stage later, there will be an opportunity to elaborate on a number of issues. I compliment the Minister of State and his officials on bringing forward this timely legislation which has given us an opportunity to focus on something we have taken for granted. This is another step towards bringing the Oireachtas more into line with what is happening in parliaments in other parts of the world.