Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House. It is good to have an opportunity to debate these motions, as such matters are all too often disposed of without debate. I fully support the proposed appointments, in particular, the appointment of Mr. Jim O'Keeffe who is a former colleague with extensive experience. I concur with the view that the experience of a former parliamentarian is necessary to ensure the complete effectiveness of the Standards in Public Office Commission. I suggest the Minister consider the possibility of appointing a former Senator to the commission as that would enhance the good work of the commission.

I propose to raise a not unrelated issue, one which is important to Members of the Oireachtas. As we continue to try to improve the cost-effectiveness of the Houses and the ongoing work of Members, we must occasionally address certain aspects of Members' remuneration. The Minister will be aware of the issue I raise as I have been raising it for the past 20 months or thereabouts. Now that the expenses of all Members are fully vouched, an outcome that many of us sought for many years, an anomaly has arisen regarding the eligibility criteria for Senators' expenses. The issue arose when the then Minister, the late Brian Lenihan, changed the system under which expenses were unvouched. At the time, insufficient consideration was given to the full list of eligible expenses incurred by Senators in carrying out their duties under the Constitution. I have sought legal advice on this matter and, as a member of the Oireachtas Commission, I am familiar with the Minister's correspondence with the commission on the issue. Having investigated the matter with the Department and the officials of the Houses with responsibility for expenses, I have learned that a statutory instrument signed by the Minister is required to give effect to the actual list of appropriate expenses.