I thank the Deputies opposite. We had a very good debate, in particular on Committee Stage. This suite of legislation is a work in progress and we will be returning to it later in the year in regard to overarching ethics legislation on foot of the tribunal recommendations and other matters. I believe we are greatly improving the transparency of the way we fund politics in the measures we are taking. As I said at the beginning, and although I should not say this in the absence of the speakers, it was hijacked to give a platform for another argument. This Bill in essence has just two core components, first, the reduction in the amount of money payable through what is now called the parliamentary activities allowance and, second, to make that allowance accountable to every recipient.
Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Fifth Stage
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
That is broadly welcomed, including by the Technical Group which strongly supports this level of accountability applying for the first time. I thank Members for their support during the passage of this Bill.
Question put and agreed to.
A message will be sent to the Seanad acquainting it accordingly.
Sitting suspended at 4.30 p.m. and resumed at 7.30 p.m.