Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move recommendation No. 3:

In page 3, between lines 23 and 24, to insert the following:

“Report on the operation of the Scheme for Secretarial Assistance

2.The Minister shall, within 6 months of the passing of this Act, lay a report before the Committee on Parliamentary Procedures and Oversight outlining a cost benefit analysis in respect of the introduction of the parliamentary assistant pay scale to Seanad Éireann,with due regard to— (a) the recruitment and retention of staff,

(b) the recognition and development of skills,

(c) the value of acquired knowledge and experience within the legislative process and the wider work of Oireachtas members,

(d) the achievement of stated commitments to the well-being of staff and a family-friendly Oireachtas, and

(e) the importance of equitable access to the pipeline of political engagement in supporting more diverse and equal political decision making and representation.”.