Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is not an argument to put before the people. It is not an argument to say to the people that we are going to save these few measly millions. The Secretary General informed the Committee of Public Accounts in January 2012 that he estimated that there would be €13.3 million in indirect savings which relate "to the apportionment of the support costs for the Seanad" from the joint secretariat. This led to a total saving of €22.5 million. In response to a question from Deputy Shane Ross at the Committee of Public Accounts, he said that the direct cost of €9.2 million would be the saving to the State. I repeat, the direct cost of €9.2 million would be the saving to the State. If the Minister of State wants to question the Clerk of the Dáil, he can do so and is fully entitled to do so, but that is on the record.