Order of Business - 25th May 2005

Mr. Norris: I thank the Leader for arranging a
debate on Iraq, which is timely. I agree with my
colleague, Senator O’Toole, on the subject of
Irish placenames. I too love the Irish language. I
do not have Senator O’Toole’s facility with the
language but I occasionally try to use it. Nobody
uses names such as Ceannanas Mo´ r, Ra´th Luirc
and Cu´l an tSu´ daire for Kells, Charleville and
Portarlington. People have the right to name
their own places rather than being bullied by
some nit-wit in Dublin.
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator is using
unparliamentary language.
Mr. Norris: If that language is unparliamentary,
then I substitute it with "lu´ drama´ n".
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator cannot do that.
Mr. Norris: I withdraw both terms.
We need to examine the tax break situation.
Some of the incentive schemes are very good. I
am delighted that Cork has acquired a wonderful
early 19th century view of the city, which was
made possible by tax incentives. Some of the
schemes are good. However, it is obscene that
people who make enormous amounts of money,
some of the wealthiest people in the country, pay
no tax whatsoever, while simultaneously we see
elderly people being pursued by the Revenue
Commissioners because they put money into pension
schemes 20 years ago. There is a sharp contrast
in that scenario.
I ask for a debate on junk mail. There should
be a ban on unsolicited material being pushed
through people’s hall doors. Under the Data Pro
tection Act, an individual can opt out of receiving
such material. We should re-examine the
legislation.
Mr. Dardis: The Senator obviously never canvassed
before.
Mr. Norris: Yesterday alone I received 20 leaflets
inviting me to go to the local off-licence. I do
not need 20 invitations to drink. I also received
four other leaflets ——
Mr. Dardis: The Senator does not need any
invitations.
Mr. Norris: It is funny in one sense, but outrageous
in another. If one is away for a few days,
one’s letterbox is stuffed up and any passing thief
knows well that the house is empty. Apart from
that, it is an invasion of people’s own space. Very
often young lads are hired to deliver the leaflets,
they want to get rid of them, so they shove 20 or
30 into each letterbox.