Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators for the issues they raised and for their co-operation in facilitating the passage of the Bill in the way we are progressing it this afternoon. I start by addressing the issues raised in common. Several Senators raised issues relating to the terms and conditions of cleaners within the complex. It is not a matter in which I am directly involved, but I will follow-up on the issues raised. I am very much aware of the importance of that work to the presentation and the atmosphere within Leinster House. I also know it is hard work and, at times, work that happens at antisocial hours. At the very least, I will follow up and inquire about the terms and conditions and to what degree it is deemed satisfactory. I thank the Senators for raising this matter with me.

I agree with the final point made by Senator Craughwell. In the time available to us, I will not get into the different points of detail he set out. He will be aware of the justification that is offered for some of us. His point that any employer outlines to someone applying for a job what the terms and conditions of that employment are going to be is a very reasonable one. I know that information is provided after candidates are elected to either of the Houses of the Oireachtas, but not before then. It is a good point. In the time available to us, although it might be hard to do this now, I will see what we can do to make this kind of information available.

Senator Boyhan raised a point regarding the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and its operation. The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission is, justifiably, completely independent of the Government. Again, though, the Senator makes a very sensible point regarding how we can ensure the operation of that body is transparent. If it cannot always be transparent because it may need time to reflect and deliberate on matters, it should, at least, be transparent to Members regarding decisions made and why. Perhaps this does happen and I am not aware of it, but at a time in which we need to make the case to the public regarding the expense of politics not always being a cost, being able to explain how our work here happens and being able to deal with issues that, at times, can be matters of public concern is really important to making that argument. Another point related to the Oireachtas audit committee, which I am aware of. Again, this concerns how we can ensure that the next commission can be responsive and explain its work to what will be a very different and new Oireachtas. This is a very interesting point for me to hear and a very sensible one. If I have an opportunity to bring influence to bear in this regard in the next Dáil, I will certainly do it.

Turning to the contribution from Senator McDowell, I thank him for bringing up the issue of the Oireachtas library. I used to begin and end my day in the library. I love libraries. I am very proud of the fact that this is a country opening up beautiful libraries. I am very proud of the fact that there is nobody in this country taking any books off the shelves of libraries. I definitely take on board the very serious point the Senator made regarding the future of the library, the building and the room it is in.Libraries are cradles of decency and learning. The resources they offer to Members of the Oireachtas are exemplary. They do great work. The Senator raised some important issues on which I will follow up in relation to the use of that room and the library facilities there.

Senator Kyne made a point in his introduction with which I want to conclude. I note that all Senators stood up and spoke about the value of what we are trying to do. The amount of money contained in this Bill is huge – more than €500 million is a gigantic amount of money. Each of them, while raising important points, said we need to make the case for funding our parliament and treating well the people who work here, making sure they are paid well and appropriately and making sure politicians and parliamentarians have the resources they need. In the atmosphere we can be in regarding politics at the moment – that feeling can be heightened when some of us go out to knock on doors in the weeks ahead – it is an argument worth making. It is perhaps an argument we need to have more conviction in making in the future. I hope this Bill will provide an environment in which the next Oireachtas can fulfil its duties effectively, can help to hold the Government to account, and can help with the representation of constituents’ issues and the work all TDs and Senators need to do. Coming away from it, the two matters I will remember are the issues in relation to cleaners and the future of the library. They are valuable issues to be raised. I commend this Bill. I recognise the co-operation of the Seanad in allowing this Bill to be concluded so matters like these are dealt with in this parliamentary term.