Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator cannot have it both ways.

I join Senator Hopkins in welcoming new members to the community in Ballaghaderreen. I thank the local people for the welcome they have afforded the new residents. I agree with Senator Hopkins that the education piece must be put in place by the Roscommon and Galway ETB. I will be happy to talk to the Minister about that.

Senator Norris raised a number of issues in his fine contribution. A dress code is not a matter for the Order of Business. I disagree with the Senator on that as I believe we should have a dress code. These are the Houses of Parliament and we are the people's representatives so we should be dressed accordingly. I accept that people can make their contributions regardless of what way they dress, but a dress code would be fitting for the decorum of the House. I agree wholeheartedly with the Senator on the pay and conditions of Members of all political persuasions. There is a race to the bottom and populism in terms of cutting pay, not having a long service increment and having to fob in. The Senator is correct about the new dispensation or new politics in the Lower House. Given that the Members do not vote on Tuesdays or Wednesdays there is, perhaps, no need for a Member to be present. I hope the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will examine this. It is ridiculous that we must fob in every day we are here-----