Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

Having followed earlier contributions on the monitor, I believe there is nothing to be feared from this welcome amendment and the Bill is appropriate legislation in which to insert it. Vouching expenses and recording legitimate expenditure is perfectly correct. I was one of 12 Members of the previous Dáil who was subject to an audit by Mazars. I ask the Minister to examine the costs incurred by the State as a result of the audit.

On allowances for Independents, while most of us are not accountants, it is not a big deal to retain and publish invoices for legitimate expenditure. I would not have any issue with such a requirement. My party was the first to publish detailed accounts this year. This is a step which all parties should take.