Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the previous speakers that the funding is going in the right direction. It was decreased from ¤393 million to ¤360 million and it is now ¤324 million for the period 2013-15. That means that we are in touch with what is going on outside of these Houses. Perhaps the communications unit will communicate that message. There is a lack of coverage and many taxpayers do not know what happens here, which is a pity. They are well represented and we have good debates here. We try to discuss the great national issues of import here. Ministers also attend and their participation in debates has been most impressive but little of this is seen outside. We try to raise the considerations and concerns of the wider society here and Ministers have been most receptive to us. We need to communicate that to the public.

The Minister of State referred to the library and research unit. I commend the unit on the top class service that it provides to Members which enables us to make an informed response when dealing with legislation. Over 300 amendments have been made to the Personal Insolvency Bill as a result of the many discussions with the Minister for Justice and Equality here. That is not unique. It is essential to have a functioning parliament that deals with how legislation is formulated, hears all kinds of views and considerations made by Ministers.

I would hate it if this House did not exist or if a Government with a very large majority in the other House was able to put legislation through without much scrutiny. We need checks and balances. Sometimes the case for the importance of Parliament has to be made at a time when, as Senator Byrne said, there is so much hostility towards politicians. Much of what happened in the past was not solely laid at the door of this House - or certainly very little was - or with the average Deputy either. It was because so much political power had moved away from Parliament and we lacked the scrutiny of checks and balances.

I thank the Minister of State. It is always a pleasure when he comes to this House. I commend the Bill to the House. We must strengthen our resolve to continue to serve the wider society and ensure we get the best possible policies and legislation to help the country through this difficult period.