Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Was the exception made because of Mr. Mulvey's support for the abolition of this House? It was a most unusual stance to adopt for a public official who earned a salary of €168,000 and a further €9,000, sanctioned by the Government, and was against the rules that applied to everyone else. Was he rewarded for his loyalty to the party? Was he rewarded for his loyalty to Government policy? Was he rewarded for taking a stance? I can recall him arguing and making valid points on "Prime Time" about the big salaries earned by Members of the Seanad and the expenses that they claimed. It is only one third of his salary of €168,000 that he managed to have topped up by an additional €9,000 from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

My amendment to the Order of Business is in the public interest. I want the Minister to make himself available to come to the House today to explain to the people why the rules were twisted to give a man earning €168,000 a year of taxpayer's money another €9,000 in petty cash. It is a piece of twine for working outside normal hours in the evening and at weekends.