Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am completely opposed to the recommendation for the 100-day requirement. It is okay for Deputies and Senators to fob in for 120 days of the year to get our travel and accommodation allowances. Many of us will have received a letter congratulating us on our full attendance and telling us what days we have attended. However, this formula of 100 days is completely unworkable and should not even be on the table. The Minister has shown flexibility since the original announcement in the budget, but this amendment is unworkable. We suggested an amendment on this matter and Senator van Turnhout suggested a ministerial commencement matter should not be made until a report examining the effect of this measure is completed and laid before the Houses. This provision should not take effect until then.

I do not wish to repeat what other Senators have said. All of us have serious problems with this and I intend to oppose the section. Senator Power mentioned something that was raised at the constitutional convention earlier this year, namely the new and modern forms of family. This section is regressive and seems to be going backwards in this regard and for that reason I intend to oppose it. The issue of the 100 days is not like us fobbing in to record our attendance. It is not workable and needs to be re-examined.