David Norris (Independent)

Okay. I recently got a Giorgio Armani overcoat from a charity shop which we valued at about €2,000. It was Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. I had given them a donation and they told me there was something in the back of the shop in which I might be interested, which they had priced at €50. I know many people from various walks of life, and some professional people who have experienced financial difficulties, who get very good clothes in second-hand shops. I am not worried about whether clothes are new or second-hand as long as they are adequate and protect people. I would have less of a concern about that, but that is just me.

The question of food is important. It is a basic requirement that people should have a diet that would sustain them physically. That is No. 4 on the list.

No. 5 is to have a roast joint or its equivalent once a week. I could take or leave that but perhaps there is nothing wrong with that.

It is desperately important to emphasise No. 6 - adequate heating. We have already cut the fuel allowance from 32 to 26 weeks, and that affects people in different ways. Obviously, it affects the poor very seriously but with different degrees of seriousness because there are people, for example, with conditions which mean that throughout the year they must be kept at an even temperature. Otherwise, they are exposed to serious health risk. It is reasonable to expect that people should be allowed sufficient income to keep themselves warm.

Keeping the home adequately warm is a similar requirement. Nobody with good conscience could possibly deny that is important. Buying a present for family or friends at least once a year is a lovely thing to do and it is enriching but I would not be quite as concerned about that. With any list there are some difficulties. People can make presents, and sometimes they are the best presents one gets because people have taken time and trouble to make them. That is what I prefer to get. Another on the list is to replace any worn out furniture. That is a little loose. I understand the reason for it but there is a looseness of expression in that regard.

I do not know about having family or friends for a drink or a meal once a month or having a morning, afternoon or evening out once a fortnight for entertainment. That is very humane but there have been many fortnights when I have not had that and I have survived with reasonable good humour.

This is a useful start but it is not a litmus test. If this amendment is not accepted I would respectfully suggest to my friends in Sinn Féin that they resubmit it, argue the case and perhaps select out the ones that are indefensible such as heat, warmth, clothing and diet. If they want to have this amendment accepted they must concentrate on the things that are inarguable. I do not believe a decent person of conscience could say it is appropriate that people should be charged an extra tax, and it is an extra tax, if they cannot afford a pair of shoes because it is necessary for their health or if they cannot afford proper heating, a proper diet or proper clothing. I respectfully suggest that they should separate that out on Report Stage and I will support it. I would vote for it even as it is. That would make it more embarrassing for anybody to object to. They should select out the ones that nobody in this country could possibly justify retaining and take out the other ones. They should take out the reference to €75,000 and put it in another amendment if they wish but if they focus sharply on this one not only will I support it but I would be happy to second it.