David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It has relevance in that I would like to be treated with dignity. I do not want to be monitored. The next thing we will have chips put in our ankles so that when we pass the gate we will be recorded. Will we be required to put up our hands and say, "An bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an leithreas, a Chathaorligh?" I would like to be treated with a bit of respect. Unfortunately, some in this House and in the other House, by abusing these payments, have brought them into disrepute but I feel insulted by them, the same way as I feel insulted that every single year I have to go and pay €10 to a lawyer to say that I got nothing as political contributions. The people who are really crooked will get around any piece of legislation but the people who are honest and honourable and decent will find themselves wasting more and more time on this pettifoggery. I know it is unpopular to say but I do not give a damn. If my voters do not like it, they can kick me out at the next election. Some of them will not do so while some of them will but I would like to be regarded as an honourable person. This would all be resolved if we were given the rate for the job. We would then turn up, do the work and get paid.