David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. One hundred percent. Otherwise I would not have been here 30 years ago. With regard to the amendments being ruled out of order, first, the Government proposes amendments and it creates a charge on the Exchequer just the same as anybody else. It is quite extraordinary. In any reform of the Seanad one of the cardinal issues to be resolved should be an amendment to remove this ban on the Seanad creating a charge on the Exchequer. Why on earth should we not? We are professional people. We are reasonable politicians. We have a very good view of the economy. We did a hell of a lot better than Dáil Éireann in terms of the financial crisis so I think we should amend the Constitution to enable Seanad Éireann to bring about a situation whereby it can create a charge on the Exchequer. I have had amendments ruled out on the basis that it would create a charge on the Exchequer to print the amendments. It was as daft as that. I am not challenging the ruling of the Leas-Chathaoirleach.