Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I could not agree more with Senator Brian Hayes on the issue of non-residents. I have raised it many times previously. The House should know the way those people living abroad are playing ducks and drakes with the scheme. If one flies into the country in one's private jet to do a day's business and then, like Cinderella, be out of the country by 12 o'clock, it is not counted as a day for purposes of the scheme. One could easily commute in and out of the country on that basis. This is appalling and gives a bad impression about our tax system and the way it treats the wealthy.

The last time I raised this issue, I got two different reactions. I got a stiff reaction from a well-known exile, a non-resident who took grave exception to what I said even though he could disagree with none of it. I also received letters from the chief executive officers of six publicly-listed companies, thanking me for raising the issue. They said they were sick and tired of seeing these heroes, who do not pay their taxes in Ireland, playing ducks and drakes with the system and that it should be changed. I often criticise Michael O'Leary but I always add the rider that at least he pays his taxes in this country.

Rugadh agus tógadh mise i gCorca Dhuibhne agus chuaigh mé ar scoil le muintir na Gaeltachta agus na Galltachta. Bhí sean-eolas againn ar ár ndúiche féin. I cannot find any person from the Gaeltacht or Galltacht of west Kerry who agrees with the daft proposal to change the name of Dingle to An Daingean. It is a form of cultural terrorism to pretend this does some good for the Irish language. Muintir na Gaeltachta believe this is an embarrassment with no sense in it. It is of no help or use to anybody and is counterproductive to the tourism business, the main industry in west Kerry. It only creates confusion and is the kind of daftness that embarrasses those of us who support and use the Irish language.

The Government should do what every local authority does. If a placename is to be changed, a plebiscite of those living in the area is held. If the people want to change it, then it is changed. B'fhearr liom an focal "Daingean" go cinnte. However, I was born and reared in Dingle. That is the way it should stay. Will the Leader invite the Minister responsible to explain why this daft change is necessary?