David Norris (Independent)

I thank Senators for the correction. The Moriarty report was referred to and there was an argument that there should be equality. There is no equality and everybody knows this. That is deliberate, structured and built in by the parties since the beginning of the State in order to exclude independent voices. Part of that arises from financial considerations, and the Minister knows that perfectly well. The Minister may want equality and he should reply to this directly if possible. People who are full-time Independent Members of this or the other House should have some mechanism whereby at least some of the expenses incurred in re-election can be discountable for income tax purposes, as they are a professional expense. A dentist, lawyer, doctor or tradesman can do this, and we are the only people who cannot use expenses that way. Where is the equality and level playing field there?

I believe I give value for money but I do not know if the people think so. I certainly put in the hours and I work 12 to 16 hours every day. I am the person who got this place opened up on Saturdays and that practice stopped because I was virtually the only person to use it. I do not have access to my office on Saturday as a result so I work on Seanad and related business, including legislation, at home.

I do not welcome this added responsibility. I am not an accountant and it would be a considerable imposition on me to have to produce audited accounts. Details of the money dispersed to us is accessible to everybody under the Freedom of Information Act. I accept the point about the leader's allowance, which is part of a cluster of allowances. I remember when they were introduced, and they were a subterfuge by the then Minister for Finance. As a political stunt the Government decided to refuse to take a series of pay increases granted generally throughout the public service and the Government thought it would look good if it did not take the increase. They were implemented through the back door. I prefer openness and honesty but I want to be paid a proper sum for the job, and although it is not easy, I give my full energy to it. Do people believe the public will be satisfied by this?