Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, it is. I accept that the use of guillotines has reduced somewhat in the Seanad but we battled over them during the early months of the current Government. I accept the Leader's point that it has not been used in the past while and I pay tribute to him for that. I know that he has had to battle with the Government and its Chief Whip over its use. The other House, as we speak, is running out of time to discuss draconian social welfare cuts due to Government guillotines of the kind that were castigated and attacked while the Government parties were in opposition. The guillotine system seems to be acceptable now that they are in Government.

Funding for the Oireachtas has decreased but I would not say that it is welcome because it must happen. Everything else has been cut so funding for the Oireachtas must be cut. It does not seem like a big cut but at the same time important functions must be carried here. There is a lack of respect for politics and politicians at present, some of which is justified. The democratic representatives of the people have an important job to do and that must be recognised. Public representatives must do their job in a way that inspires confidence among the public.

The Bill is technical and I have little more to add. My party supports the Bill but we would like to see more substantial reform which was promised by the Government but has not been delivered.