Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 15:

In page 16, line 28, after “Éireann” to insert “or Seanad Éireann”.

I hope the Government will accept the amendment but, if it does not, I hope Senators on all sides of the House will do so. Essentially, what I am seeking to do in this amendment is to put Members of Seanad Éireann on the same footing as Members of Dáil Éireann in terms of disclosures under sections 17 and 18. This is important. When we had this discussion before, it was the week of the referendum and it seemed to me the Government was winding down the Seanad, and so the Seanad was forgotten about. I do not believe the Minister made any good argument in terms of restricting these procedures to Members of Dáil Éireann and I will certainly be encouraged if the Government accepts the amendments or if Senators support them in a vote.