John Gilroy (Labour)

I am not in any way questioning the legitimacy of the amendment, rather I am questioning its relevance. There is a difference.

Restating the entire argument proposed by the Senator for the budget, another piece of legislation, almost word for word hints at the real motivation. It is not appropriate. Everyone shares the sentiment that we should reduce costs wherever we can. I agree with reducing the salaries of Ministers, the Taoiseach, Senators and Deputies. I do not think many people would have any difficulty with that. This is not the place for such an amendment. I understand what the Senator is trying to do but legislation does not need to be introduced through a referendum to do that. All it is is ordinary point scoring.