Will the Minister give us a brief insight into his thinking on when councillors will receive some gratuity because they, as a large body of public representatives, are observing closely much of what is going on here today? All of us have been asked this question in recent weeks and it would be remiss of me not to raise it.
Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Bill, 1998: Committee and Remaining Stages.
Sections 1 to 9, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 10.
Question proposed: "That section 10 stand part of the Bill."
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
This does not arise under section 10.
It arises in the context of section 10.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
It is a relevant question but it is not relevant to this section.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 11 to 16, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 17.
Question proposed: "That section 17 stand part of the Bill."
Section 17 relates to secretarial allowances, an innovation which is welcome. The Minister will be aware that as part of that innovation we have recently been brought into the computer age. However, a difficulty has arisen in that the Department of Finance has yet to sanction Internet access for Members in rural areas, which is an expense that is not justifiable. I ask the Department of Finance to please accelerate Internet access which already operates in this House. All Members and their secretaries have access to the Internet in their offices. We now have access to computer technology in our homes. I suggest the Department is dragging its feet in this area and it is talking about tendering out to the private sector so that we would have to pay for this service. It is not fair that we should have to pay for such a service in this day and age.
I am assured by my officials that this proposal is on its way to me and the matter will be attended to forthwith.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 18 to 31, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment, received for Final Consideration and passed.