The Minister for Finance has asked me to move the First Reading of a Bill to provide for the payment of allowances to members of the Oireachtas, and to authorise the provision of certain free travelling facilities for such members. It was felt that the measure would not be contentious.
THE OIREACHTAS (PAYMENT OF MEMBERS) BILL, 1923—FIRST STAGE.
I second the motion.
Is there any guarantee that the Dublin Corporation will not follow the lead of the Belfast Corporation?
Mr. O'HIGGINS
None whatever.
Can the Minister give us any idea of how much free travelling facilities for members of the Dáil are costing every year?
That will arise on the Second Reading. The amount is in the Estimates.
Question "That the Oireachtas (Payment of Members) Bill, 1923, be read a first time," put and agreed to.
Second Reading ordered for Wednesday, 9th May.