David Norris (Independent)

In general I support the amendment because it deals with the weakest people in society. A certain point has been made about the disability allowance and so forth. A challenge was made by my distinguished colleague, Senator Keane, who stated we all know who is responsible. That is rather simplistic. I agree there was a clear implication that various Governments played a significant role in it but let us not forget that the collapse of the world economy started in the United States of America with the involvement of Enron and the ratings agencies. We should not take all the blame.