Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I, too, refer to the bravery of the Collins family in Limerick who put up with incredible intimidation following the murder of their son. It is difficult to think otherwise that in a way they feel politics has let them down because they have had to succumb and seek refuge and a better quality of life abroad.

I agree with what has been said about the Mahon tribunal. Many of us would have suspected about what had happened in the past and, unfortunately, it has been confirmed. As far as the public is concerned, politics is broken and it is up to us to fix it and ensure those who have been named and shamed will pay the price. I will fully support any endeavour on which the Government may decide to deal with those concerned through their pensions and where it hurts, namely, their pockets, because politics has been disgraced by a small few who must pay. I support calls for an in-depth, detailed, comprehensive and principled debate on the findings of the Mahon report because, if this House is to be relevant, as we all want it to be, we must lead by example and lead the charge towards a better political system. We are living in a democracy and the people expect us to do this. They expect politics to work and we must ensure this happens.

On the household charge, while it is everyone's desire that it will be made easy for people to pay bills - that convenience and comfort must be facilitated - motor tax is not paid through the post office, no more than many other important bills. The bottom line is that there is a deficit. We are spending €15 billion to €16 billion more than we are taking in. Unfortunately, a property tax is the norm throughout the world and the citizens of this country will have to pay the household charge and a property tax in the future.