Bigger Dáil chamber a waste of public money

IT’S reported that construction of a new state-of-the-art Dáil chamber is to be considered as part of a major review of the Leinster House complex.

This is because the chamber will not be able to accommodate the increased number of TDs anticipated in the coming decades as the population grows.

This same chamber is largely empty for the vast majority of Dáil sessions, on those few days each year that the Dáil is actually in session. Anyone who regularly follows the TV coverage will be aware that most debates are attended by only a handful of TDs.

On those rare occasions when the chamber might be filled, the new arrivals can sit on the steps or stand. The idea of wasting more public money on further cosseting our overpaid politicians is abhorrent nonsense.

A decision is imminent also on the construction of a two-storey underground car-park in Leinster House. This will allow the restoration of Leinster Lawn which has been used as a car-park by TDs for many years, an act of public vandalism confirming the shameful belief in the political classes that normal rules do not apply to the lawmakers.

Politicians are supposed to lead by example. Is it any wonder that we’re becoming a ‘mé féin society?

Peter Molloy

9 Haddington Park

Glenageary

Co Dublin