asked the Minister for Finance whether, having regard to the substantial increase since 1947 in the cost of living, travelling, hotel accommodation, postage and other items it is intended to introduce proposals for legislation to provide for an increase in the allowances to members of the Oireachtas which have remained unchanged since 1947.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allowances to Members of Oireachtas.
The answer is in the negative.
In view of the fact that postage, hotel expenses and other expenses have gone up considerably since the last increase for Deputies and Senators, would the Minister not advise that a Select Committee of the House be appointed to examine the whole position and make recommendations to him? Is he further aware that Deputies cannot come up and spend three days a week here on the present allowance? Does he realise that the extra ½d. on the stamp has meant an increased cost of £1 4s. 6d. a week? The position is ridiculous and something will have to be done about it.
If the Fine Gael Party wished to have this proposition considered seriously, they might have put forward someone other than the Deputy—who voted against the last increase and said he would not accept it.
I consider I am worth £2,500 to the people who sent me here. You already have your pensions and I.R.A. pensions.