David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the matter of Console, it is extremely sad but we should remember that it is a very useful organisation. It provides help to a large number of people who are in great distress. I will not name the gentleman who founded it, but I have met him and he seemed to be a very decent person. One cannot always tell. He was certainly affected by the tragedy in his family. It seems he is a kind of Walter Mitty character, having turned up in various roles as an Aer Lingus pilot, a doctor and a Roman Catholic priest and so on. It is also tragic for his family.

I agree 100% with Senator Mulherin about motor tax. It is completely ridiculous. Lots of people, myself included, have very old cars. My car is large and I pay as much for it in tax and insurance every year as it cost me to buy it. The polluter pays principle should be implemented. I raised this issue when Mr. John Gormley was Minister. Mr. Gormley agreed with me but said it is a was a matter for the Department of Finance, which would not let him make the relevant change. I support Senator Mulherin in calling for the position regarding motor tax to be examined.