Madam Speaker, 

Given my time restraints, I will not deal with the strategic plan, but rather concentrate on a few important issues that require urgent attention. 

BUDGET PROCESS 

Our current budget preparation process is totally unacceptable. We have a Joint Parliamentary Budget Committee who rarely meets, when it does, the members are either not informed or informed at the very last minute, rendering the Committee a committee in name only, unable to adequately participate in the crucial preparations of our budget! 

This committee has got to be given a set of teeth, and allowed to use them! 

COMPUTERS 

Many months ago, a decision was taken that all members receive a laptop & portable printer as well as a desktop and four-in-one printer/fax/scanner/copier. It was decided at the time that management investigate refunding those members who have all along been diligently refunding Parliament for their laptops. It was also decided that Parliament take full responsibility for the maintenance of computers until such time as they become the personal property of the individual member at the end of their term of office. 

Needless to say that little has been done to sort this out, we are almost at the end of a term of office and still no compliance with our decisions!

Except an attempt to sneak in a set of rules that were not approved by the Quarterly Consultative Forum. 

WHO IS IN CONTROL OF PARLIAMENT? 

This brings me to ask who is in control. Parliamentarians or staff, it seems to me that  we still have the "tail wagging he dog" and it is high time Parliament is fully controlled by its' Members through the Presiding Officers. It is time for us to ensure that the decisions taken by the members of Parliament are carried through! 

MEMBERS PENSIONS 

This matter is very long outstanding and it is most unfortunate that fourteen years into our democracy and in the last year of this term of office we are still struggling to secure a decent liveable pension for Members of Parliament. 

Madam Speaker, there is a private Member's proposal for a Bill dealing with the issue of pensions in the process, we need to speed up the processing of this Bill and conclude this matter by the end of this term of office, ensuring that those members who are to retire next year can do so with dignity! 

HOUSE CHAIRPERSONS 

I would strongly recommend that the title of House Chairperson be changed to Assistant Speaker as the existing title confuses many outside of Parliament. 

CONCLUSION 

Madam Speaker as this is the last Budget Vote for Parliament in this term of Office; I would like to express my appreciation to you in particular, for always being open to exchanging views, and listening to the needs of members. It has been a pleasure working with you. 

To my colleagues in the Whippery across Party lines, thank you for your co-operation and comradeship, together we have achieved a great deal in the past few years, proving that when we work together, we all win. 

To Management and the many officials who we work with on a daily basis, and especially those who give untiringly of their time and effort to ensure the best interest of Parliament, thank you all most sincerely. 

God Bless you all!