Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I commend Senators Mac Conghail and van Turnhout on the amendment, for which they should be applauded. It is appropriate that Independent Members should be paid an appropriate allowance for the reasons outlined by Senator Norris. To safeguard the allowance it should be accounted for and transparent. Political parties obtain funding from the State, that is, the taxpayer, and must account for it. It is only right, therefore, that Independent Members should account for allowances provided to them. For this reason, the Fianna Fáil Party will support the amendment should it be pressed by Independent Senators.