David Norris (Independent)

I agree with Senators Scanlon and Brian Hayes. I raised this issue some six weeks ago after it was brought to my attention by people in St. Raphael's. I am glad Senator Brian Hayes raised it so trenchantly today. It is one of the meanest and most discussing impositions on a vulnerable section of the community.

At the time I raised it, the Leader gave an undertaking to bring it to the attention of the Minister. Now that Members on all sides have reinforced its pertinence, I hope she will do so. When I initially spoke on this issue, it was simply a question of imposing this extra charge. The additional step to which Senator Brian Hayes refers — the sending of threatening letters demanding arrears — had not yet been taken. This is entirely unacceptable. I am sure the Leader, who is a caring person, will bring this to the attention of the Minister.

I am afraid the Leader will be busy if she does everything I ask today. Will she raise with the Minister for Foreign Affairs the release on bail by the United States Government of a most notorious criminal, Luis Posada Carriles? This is a man who orchestrated and was the prime mover in the bombing of a civilian aircraft in the 1970s in which 73 people were killed. He has acknowledged it openly. He was also involved in the bombing of a Havana hotel in which an Italian citizen — an EU citizen — was killed, as well as numerous other crimes. It seems he is being released to ensure he keeps his mouth shut about his connections with the CIA. A strong protest should be made about this in view of our status as a state friendly to Cuba, with whom we exchange ambassadors. Moreover, we are always listening to guff from the United States about the war on terrorism. In this case, however, the authorities of that country are releasing terrorists in their own jurisdiction because it suits them to do so.

This House has a good record of seeking to protect the vulnerable, including those with disabilities. It is a horrible fact that the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis in this city, and possibly elsewhere in the State, is dropping steadily. In Dublin, there has been a reduction of 75% in the number of these vehicles. Drivers are handing back their plates because of the considerable additional expense in acquiring accessible taxis. The taxi regulator has written to various Ministers but the letters have not been answered. This puts in perspective our vaunted concern for people with disabilities.

The Broadcasting Complaints Commission has upheld a ruling against the European Commission Representation in Ireland in respect of a series of advertisements that included a strong political message plugging the EU. I am all in favour of the Union but it is useful that this complaint was upheld. Otherwise, if that breach were allowed to continue in the context of a referendum on European matters, for example, it is possible that the office could use substantial funding to influence the context of the debate. That would not be appropriate. I congratulate the National Platform, Mr. Anthony Coughlan, and other individuals such as Patricia McKenna who went to battle on these issues. They won this issue.