David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This Government is giving a new meaning to the words of the Proclamation because it proposes to punish all the children of the nation equally. That is outrageous considering the lack of capacity to pay which is not taken into account at all. It is even worse considering the money to pay for this laughably described conservation grant is to be taken out of social welfare. I pointed this out three or four hours ago and this debate has gone on for about nine hours. It is utterly fatuous and complete nonsense. I will just leave it at that. We are punishing all the children of the nation equally. People who can pay are being treated the same as the people who cannot pay. I am probably among the higher income brackets because I have income from this House and a pension, even though I gave up a State pension into which I contributed because I thought there were people who were more deserving of it. I would have no objection to a higher tax rate for myself. I have always believed it is the responsibility of those who are privileged to bring less advantaged people with them and provide them with as many benefits as possible. That is something close to socialism. I noticed that my great friend and dearly lamented colleague, the late Dr. Noël Browne was invoked. Noël Browne would be turning in his grave at the idea of a Labour Party that claims to be socialist supporting this doubly unjust measure. I completely agree with Senator Barrett that this is a poll tax.