Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My head is a little swollen with all the words of praise I am receiving from my friends on the opposite side of the House. I am sure they are very well meant. Senator Leyden is suggesting a trip to the High Court. We will get free legal advice from Senator Coghlan. That would be much more appropriate.

On a serious matter, I missed the commencement of the debate but I am familiar with the motion proposed. The personal side of this does not concern me in the slightest but I believe the issue of proportionality as it applies to Oireachtas committees is one that we cannot remove ourselves from. I understand the make-up of the committee system reflects the balance in the Oireachtas. Unfortunately, due to events beyond our control, the balance in the Seanad has now changed. It is not as simple as saying one can replace A with B. Therefore, I would like the Leader to inform us about the actual legal position on the requirement for proportionality.

Apart from the political musical chairs, on which we can debate and reflect, I want to bring to the Leader's attention a matter that I would like us to discuss, perhaps next week. Today would not be appropriate. I refer to the financial musical chairs arising from recent political events. Through no fault of individuals in most cases, ten Members of the Dáil and three Members of the Seanad have now left their political parties. As we know, the political parties receive a substantial sum from the taxpayer in respect of their Deputies and Senators. With ten Members of the Dáil and three Members of the Seanad having left their parties, voluntarily or otherwise, some €500,000 will be handed over to political parties for individuals who are no longer members. I would like us to reflect seriously on the appropriateness, or otherwise, of that next week. We all know about the need to save money. It was pointed out as part of the Seanad abolition campaign-----