Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have spent over two hours on this amendment and I do not want to prolong the debate, although I will respond briefly to the specific matters raised. In making his last point, Senator Walsh suggested that money should follow the individual, but that is to misunderstand the basis of why the parliamentary allowance was brought into being, which was to support parliamentary activities. A lot of individuals wanted to change or move within the established parliamentary systems determined by the people on election day. The weight of support the people gave, either directly in the other House or indirectly through the election process for this House, is the snapshot that determines the balance of supports being made. Therefore, it is not for individuals to walk away with it after that.

I have been criticised for suggesting that if people wanted to rectify that, it is open to them - not in this House but in the other one - to cause a by-election and have that tested.