Alex White (Labour)

I agree with Senator O'Toole that it does, but it probably applies with even greater strength to a body that is responsible for the "running" of the Houses of Parliament of the people. It is something that bears further consideration. It would be interesting to hear more from the Minister of State on how its accountability will be delivered. He might say it is a matter for the individual Houses as to how they will deliver that. That may be the answer we get.

I have no difficulty with the balance of what is proposed in the legislation. We could all talk at great length about various developments we would like to see happen in the Houses in terms of technical and administrative support for Members. One issue in this respect occurs to me every day we deal with legislation. This amending legislation is a relatively short Bill, in respect of which there is the 2006 amending legislation and the 2003 principal Act. Senator Ó Murchú said there seems to be very little controversy about this Bill as they are very few amendments to it. We got this Bill yesterday or the day before. While I do not believe I would amend it if I had two or three hours to consider it, this is not a satisfactory way of doing business.