David Norris (Independent)

Will the Leader give the House some reassurance that we will consider amending the equality legislation in light of the information that has emerged today about the exploitation of people, particularly from the Philippines? A woman was interviewed earlier and the position she outlined was appalling. It emerges that when the legislation went through the two Houses, we excluded from its provisions domestic service within a private residence. These people, often vulnerable women far away from home, have their visas entrusted to their employers so that they cannot really leave their employment. This woman was thrown out on the side of road, which was simply appalling. She was also swindled out of her bonus and so on. If we are a decent civilised country, we need to address this matter. This is something we did not envisage when the legislation went through the Houses and we should amend it. A slight amendment would remedy this situation.

While the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is in the House, I would be happy to discuss crime levels with him. However, I can say exactly what is likely to emerge from the tragic case cited. The eight young men who attacked this youth were out of their skulls on drink and it was the result of a combination of certain drinks, such as Red Bull, Smirnoff Ice and others. We know this perfectly well because the analysis has already been done. I am not familiar with the case but I would take a bet with anyone that that would be what would emerge.

I support the call for a debate on the ethics commission. It is complete and utter nonsense and a whitewash. It is cosmetic and means nothing. No one who swindles or takes bribes will state on a declaration of ethics that he or she received €17,000 from a captain of industry. It is rubbish and wastes the time of decent people like us who must fill out these declarations in triplicate, register them and have them notarised, which costs about €10 or €15. When I applied to be reimbursed, the application was returned. If our time is to be wasted, we should at least be paid for it.

I also welcome and join in calls for a debate on the role of An Taisce. This time, I hope we all tell the truth because it is much simpler, neater and cleaner. The truth is that, although An Taisce has not been great at manipulating its public image and has made several mistakes, in Leitrim, for example, where it was said it opposed the majority of planning permissions, there were 9,000 applications and the number of objections was in single figures.