David Norris (Independent)

I find myself having a great deal of sympathy for what Sinn Féin members have said and with the motivation behind their amendment. The principle of good government would be to poverty-proof legislation. I also said at the time - it was recommended by the Irish Human Rights Commission - that one function of those who undertake research would be to be employed by the Oireachtas to ensure that legislation is at its best. The Irish Human Rights Commission offered to proof legislation from a human rights standpoint but its offer was rebuffed by a previous Government. However, it is a very good principle.

If excellent legislation is the ambition then it should be proofed to ensure that the poor, the vulnerable and the weak are protected and also that human rights are protected. If we have the institutions in the State, such as the ESRI and various other groups and also the Irish Human Rights Commission, then let us employ them. Let us bring them in as adjuncts to the political system in order to make legislation more effective, fairer, more just and in the interests of the vast majority of people in the country. I am fully in agreement with that.

With regard to the amount of money involved, a good point was made by Senator Ó Domhnaill and his colleague that it might be wise to separate the issue of the €75,000, which can be debated, and address it on Report Stage, if that is what is decided. We should also sharpen the focus by going for the most clear of those criteria with the support that this is the bare bones of what is recommended by the ESRI.

I heard a very reasonable woman on the radio today. She gave a breakdown of her income and after she had paid the various impositions, taxes and modest essential household outgoings she was left in mortgage arrears and with €5 to spend. If people have a margin of €5 to spend €5 a week is quite significant. I am glad Senator Ó Domhnaill reinforced the point I made earlier on the question of changes in the fuel allowance which are very serious for people on the margins. We are very comfortable and privileged as elected Members of the Oireachtas and we should remember that comfort and privilege does not extend to all citizens of this State.

I was impressed by what Senator Cullinane said about his motivation for getting into politics. It is what gives energy to some of the members of his party. I do not agree with his party. I have never supported it and it has not supported me. Let us have an end to the fantasy about the different application of government North and South of the Border. I say this as somebody who engaged with that fantasy. I thought it was extraordinary that the Administration in Northern Ireland was imposing certain measures in the North of which it was critical of the southern Government.

This matter was effectively resolved, as far as I am concerned, on "The Frontline" when I heard a Member of the other House, Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, make the very good point that the budget was not set in Belfast but in an office in Carlisle in northern England.

This matter was effectively resolved, as far as I am concerned, on "The Frontline" when I heard a Member of the other House, Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, make the very good point that the budget was not set in Belfast but in an office in Carlisle in northern England.

It was Newcastle upon Tyne.