David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I hope that the Minister will do something to address this matter. I understand, and the Minister will perhaps nod if I am correct, that Members are subject to the same provisions, in that we are charged 4%. Previously, the Minister called that grossly unfair. Perhaps he did not say "grossly", but he did say that it was unfair and wrong in principle. He then made the argument that there was a cosmetic aspect to this and that it would not go down well with the public if public servants were seen to get justice. This is just justice. One does not get charged PRSI only to be unable to claim any of the benefits. That would be a nonsense.

The Minister should have courage and remove the 4% charge, particularly in light of Mr. Horgan's report on the Garda. In that, Mr. Horgan outlined the average income of gardaí. I do not begrudge them it, but it is approximately what we get in the Seanad. Many people get a great deal more than Members of this House, yet they are not subject to this silly tax situation.

I urge the Minister to examine the matter. He has acknowledged that it is unfair and unjust in principle. Politicians should be prepared to stand up for themselves. We in these two Houses are making decisions, which are sometimes very important, on behalf of the entire country. There are many middle management people who get a great deal more than we do, yet they are only making decisions for their individual companies. We are making decisions for the State. It is crucial work.

People dismiss politicians as an elite. I do not see anything wrong with elites. It means the chosen, the best. Of course we want the best representing people. There are 4.5 million or 5 million people in this country. They elect a couple of hundred to represent them. Surely to God, that means that Members are worth something, for example, the same treatment as the ordinary citizen. Ordinary citizens do not get charged tax for which they receive no benefit.