Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

The new Part X is an attempt to address this issue. When one considers what the leader's allowance is for, there are aspects of it which could be perceived to be open to misappropriation. In that context, certain elements within the media are only dying to jump down our necks in respect of expenses. Members and the House will be left open to accusations of being of ill repute if we do not close this loophole.

We tried to raise this matter on Committee Stage. I and other members of the Independent group have been consistent in respect of it from the outset. It is ironic that Fine Gael and the Labour Party voted down our Committee Stage amendment - which is slightly different to that before the House today - without offering their own solution. I am seeking to discover whether the Minister might be able to accommodate the spirit of amendments Nos. 1 and 3 rather than kicking to touch and stating that the matter will be contemplated in the Bill being brought forward by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin.

I remind everyone present that between 25 February 2011 and 31 December 2011 a total of €656,134 was paid to Deputies and Senators who are not members of political parties, who are not qualifying parties or who were nominated to the Seanad. I include myself in this regard. The money to which I refer is unaccounted for because there is no mechanism by which it can be vouched. In addition, there are no rules under which I am supposed to account for my leader's allowance. However, I account for it on a voluntary basis. As amendment No. 3 suggests, all Independent Members should be required, on a statutory basis, to keep accounts in respect of public payments received and to "disclose annual accounts in compliance with guidelines as set out under section 89". It also states that "All accounts will be published and available to the public within 6 months of the end of the previous financial year."

The amendment further advocates that the Standards in Public Office Commission could establish the guidelines in question. I accept that these might not have to be as onerous as those which relate to political parties, particularly in the context of the requirement to keep audited accounts, etc. However, they would ensure that there would be a way in which we, as Members, would not be exposed to expressions of cynicism. Even more important is the fact that they would make it possible for the public to see, in a very clear way, how our money is spent. I have no difficulty with Independent Senators and Deputies having access to the leader's allowance, particularly as they can use it to the benefit of citizens by ensuring that they research matters of concern in full and then make positive and democratic contributions in respect of them in Seanad and Dáil debates.

In its final report, the Moriarty tribunal stated "Appropriate measures should be adopted to ensure that equivalent obligations apply to Independent or non-party candidates." In such circumstances, I see no reason amendment No. 3 should not be accepted. I would, however, be happy to withdraw the amendment if the Minister were to offer an alternative or to accept it in spirit. I would not be happy to withdraw it if he proposes to kick to touch and wait until the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform brings forward his legislation in 18 months. Outside of the financial exposure involved, this matter also gives rise to reputational exposure. When the silly season comes back around, Members are going to be attacked in respect of not ensuring that the money involved is properly vouched. It should be vouched.

The findings of the Moriarty tribunal provided the impetus for this otherwise excellent Bill to be brought before the Houses. Since Second Stage, we have been consistent in our argument that Independent Members' allowances should be fully vouched and that the relevant details in this regard should be put before the Houses within six months of the end of each financial year. I commend the amendments to the House.