We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Console founder and charity oversight

Summary

Senator Norris stresses Console’s valuable services while discussing allegations surrounding its founder and the need to distinguish the charity’s work from misconduct.

David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

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.

Comment on this