David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I understand and, to a large extent, sympathise with the public climate. People are undoubtedly going through financial hell while we are cushioned. However, I am thinking in the long term. I presume we will eventually get a bit of sense, dismantle the existing financial system and install something that has at least some element of socialism.

I will make a final request. Presumably, statutory guidelines or the like will be drafted. Perhaps there could be a negotiation between the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. Certain expenses could be quantified as being almost, if not fully, automatic, for example, research, preparation of Bills, etc. I will be interested to know the criteria and the allowable expenses and what means of vouching will be regarded as appropriate. I am poor at keeping receipts and lose them all the time, but I take the relaxed view that they will turn up somewhere. They always do. However, I am worried now. I accept that other Members have abused the system. We are probably in this horrible situation of having to account for everything because some of our colleagues were blatantly dishonest about expenses. I very much regret that.