David Norris (Independent)

What is the state of progress of the National Monuments (Amendment) Bill 2004 which is with the Dáil? There is some concern about it because it gives such carte blanche to the Minister. I ask this in light of the deteriorating situation in regard to conservation. I understand Dublin, the capital city, does not have a senior conservation officer. There is this terrible business in Sleigh Head where an enormous neolithic monument was arbitrarily destroyed over night. I raised the matter of Sweny's chemist shop which people visited in their droves over the Bloomsday period and which is around the corner from the House. Yet again, it is being left open to the winds and is being burned. This is north side planning permission — owners leave buildings to become derelict and they encourage fires. This has happened with the same owner in the Academy Cinema which used to be the ancient concert rooms. When will we have some clear action?

We should have a debate on the extraordinary growth in bureaucracy. A recent "Liveline" radio programme by Joe Duffy disclosed that people were being asked for their PPS numbers in order to buy prize bonds. Recently, when I wanted to renew my parking disc, I had to send in my driving licence and insurance, but they also wanted a copy of an electricity or gas bill. I sent them a telephone bill but that was not good enough, so they told me they would like to see my bank account. I do not see why anyone should have to surrender details of his or her bank account.

I recently got a new Vodafone line from the same company to which I had already paid bills, yet it wanted to see a telephone bill. A representative rang me seeking this information and I said: "You know where I am living. You have telephoned me, so just look in the telephone book — that is the address." I do not understand why people are entitled to ask for personal details such as bank statements. It is all wrong.