Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We should consider the amendment proposed very seriously. There has been a change of allegiance from Fine Gael and the Labour Party to the Independent benches. In changes of circumstances and to deal with abuses the Minister and his predecessor had to deal with it, we are required to submit expense claims annually. One must declare one's residence as being X number of kilometres from Leinster House and the forms are very precise. Should it not also be the case that the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste should declare annually how many members are in their parties? The Leader has mentioned that the data are based on what they are at the date of the election, but we should update them in cases where people's circumstances have changed. The same is true of distances from Leinster House. This would allow people who might have made a mistake in the first instance to correct it. It is a pity this system did not operate in the past. It is also a pity it does not operate in other countries because it seems to give rise to many difficulties. We might consider, in the context of changes of allegiance, ensuring the returns of the leaders of the parties reflect this.

Members are listed in official documents as the Members for Galway, Wexford or wherever else. As party allegiance is not mentioned, they are not locked into it in that sense. There is also a change in the implied contract between the leaders of parties and the taxpayer. We are applying that principle to medical cards and so forth. At one stage we thought that doctors had X number of patients on their books, but the Minister is now most energetically and assiduously searching to determine if these numbers still apply. If a person enrols in a university but with the passage of time is no longer attached to that university, should the institution continue to be paid for him or her? The same question applies to patients and hospitals. Recently the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport took some money back from Dublin Bus because he felt it had not complied with its public service obligations. As the company had not delivered on the original contract, a deduction was made. There have been cases in which firms received grants from IDA Ireland and when their circumstances changed, they refunded the money to the Exchequer. I would support the amendment on these grounds. Circumstances can change. We should not freeze costs from the date of the last election.