David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Of course, we are an elite. We should be proud of it. The word “elite” comes from the Old French meaning selected or chosen. We are chosen by the people because we have elite qualifications. Otherwise, there would be no expertise in this House.

Senator Warfield said we are well paid. We are in our fannies well paid. My income from Seanad Éireann is down by 50% since the economic crash. First, €10,000 was taken in a long-service increment.