David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I only wish to make one point to the Minister. Let us have equality. I have listened to Members who have very good jobs and admitted to double-jobbing, yet they accept expenses from the Houses of the Oireachtas. Personal pleas have been made. I have given 40 years of public service and continually put my money where my mouth is. I did it when I sued the State on the question of homosexuality. I did it when I started the James Joyce Centre which kick-started the entire restoration of North Great Georges Street and the north inner city. I did it with the Hirschfeld Centre in Temple Bar. I did it every time I stood for election. I did it when I stood for the Presidency, but I am nearly wiped out financially at the age of 70. I have no savings left and I am in debt to the bank. I have listened to Senators saying we should scrap the allowances. I saw colleagues in both Houses leave politics because they were cute enough to see what was coming and took whatever money they could. I am close to getting out of this House while there is a few bob left to be earned and before I am an old man in order to pay off my debts. If the Minister is serious about reform, he should examine the presidential election campaign during which I raised a matter. Time and again Governments have tabled motions and then when I claim-----