Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

-----that because it was not their money to spend, they could spend it. The ultimate justification is provided by the fact that the Minister set up a national procurement service.

I recall the period in which I was a member of the Council of Europe between 2002 and 2007. The way the system worked - media commentators should take note - was that in respect of travel arrangements a contract was given to an outside party, a corporate entity, but there was an office within the political process which handled all of the travel arrangements. I am aware things have changed to a degree since 2007, but I recall, not just on one occasion, being quoted a price to travel from Dublin to Strasbourg in the order of €800 and €900 for an overnight stay. When I questioned it, the office got back to the travel agency and a few hours later I would be told it had managed to secure a rerouting. Instead of flying direct from Paris, I could be routed through Brussels at a cost of €200. How many such instances of waste were there during the years, as outlined by people working in the journalistic field? I am particularly pleased that the Minister has taken on this issue in the Croke Park agreement.

The Minister of State has received the support of Members on both sides of the House for his attitude towards those trade unions which have not signed up to the agreement-----