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David Norris - Social welfare shouldn't be spent on alcohol

12467…11

Comments

  • #152
    Kermit.de.frog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,928 ✭✭✭✭Kermit.de.frog


    I agree with David Norris. I'd just rather not hear it from a member of a senate we don't need and who is grossly overpaid.


  • #153
    melissak
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,873 ✭✭✭melissak


    Cienciano wrote: »
    Read the article to find out his reason what his problem is with it. He doesnt give one. He needs to get a proper argument other than "the country has gone mad on drink".

    He needs to be controversial to appear relevant now nobody is oppressing him because he is gay. I was hoping with the marriage referendum that this one trick pony would be put out to pasture but sadly the old nag has more nagging to do. He irritates the chap out of me with his elitist attention seeking blather and his creepy voice. And to be talking about people getting money for doing nothing is pretty rich, pontificating and congratulating himself on his own superiority all day is Not exactly overexerting himself. Batch, Insufferable, condescending little man


  • #154
    melissak
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,873 ✭✭✭melissak


    Is this true? Was it a social welfare payment or something to do with trinity college? If it was state disability allowance and he was employed as a senator this would be fraud. Even if it was from college it is dodgy..... Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones methinks....
    Also he doesn't want equality for everyone, just "his kind". I don't mean gay people BTW but up their own arse people. If ever there was a compelling reason to abolish the Senate. Who keeps voting for him. He is a ridiculous man.
    My name is URL wrote: »
    Dunno if he still is but he did for 16 years while he was still working full time as senator

    http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/norris-claimed-disability-payments-for-16-years-26779206.html

    And why do you agree with what he says? He's not saying that people on long term unemployment or system gamers shouldn't be allowed to drink in pubs all day, he's saying that nobody on benefits should be allowed to buy drink full stop. It's nothing but classist bullcrap, which is a bit rich coming from a guy that pretends to be all about equality etc. Hypocritical little worm of a man


  • #155
    Tarzana2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,553 ✭✭✭Tarzana2


    Pizzle wrote: »
    The pub is not the only place/activity where you get social interaction.

    Indeed but it's one of the places. Why should it be off-limits?


  • #156
    DaraghMAC
    Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭DaraghMAC


    When a person applies for and is granted a Job seekers payment it is made clear to them that the money is to help them look for employment. That is a fact and not my opinion.

    When TD's and senators waste public funds on luxuries and unnecessary spending everyone goes to town on them!!!
    I would argue that someone on a job seekers payment buying alcohol or cigarettes is doing the same thing and yet here we are standing up for them. Alcohol is a luxury to a working person....Why should tax payers put up with this when our health service is in the state that is. 84 year old's on trolleys in corridors so that long term job seekers can have a good drink to themselves....wise up people.....while our roads are falling apart.....while our schools are falling apart and under staffed and under resourced.....Wise up people.

    The pompous way in which David Norris delivered his message didn't help and neither did the way he tared everyone on a Social Welfare payment with the same brush. Some people on a Social Welfare payment have worked very hard for it(pensioners) and have every right to spend it how they wish.....Job seekers have not!! You cannot look for work while you are drunk!!


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  • #157
    Banjoxed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Banjoxed


    I'm on Carers Allowance. It isn't politically correct to say so, but I fcuking need moderate amounts of alcohol by the end of the week without compromising my responsibility. I voted for David Norris for President in 2011 but he can go and schite after this.


  • #158
    Tarzana2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,553 ✭✭✭Tarzana2


    NachoBusiness wrote: »
    I firmly believe that there is no need to give people on the dole cash. I believe people on the dole should be given a card with cash credits which can only be used in certain places and for certain goods. They can save these cash credits and buy pretty much whatever they want. I would allow the card to be used in all major supermarkets, department stores, cinemas, petrol stations, utility providers etc etc but I would not allow the purchasing of certain items like alcohol and cigarettes (*above a certain limit each day*). The credits on alcohol I would not allow to be saved up and used in one go either.

    Ah, nice and stigmatising. Somebody on these threads always comes out with this. I would love to see if you would be so in favour of a system like this if you found yourself out of work.


  • #159
    melissak
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,873 ✭✭✭melissak


    Tarzana2 wrote: »
    Ah, nice and stigmatising. Somebody on these threads always comes out with this. I would love to see if you would be so in favour of a system like this if you found yourself out of work.

    Or disabled or caring for a sick child / parent or widowed or unexpectedly separated when a stay at home parent or elderly...


  • #160
    Azalea
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,796 ✭✭✭Azalea


    Wouldn't begrudge anyone who is job-searching having a few cans/couple of pints of a Friday or Saturday night. It's crappy enough being in their situation, nothing wrong with a treat/heading out with their friends.


  • #161
    Dick phelan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,499 ✭✭✭Dick phelan


    Bit rich coming from a man who's a senator, what work does he exactly do?


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  • #162
    NachoBusiness
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,389 ✭✭✭NachoBusiness


    Tarzana2 wrote: »
    I would love to see if you would be so in favour of a system like this if you found yourself out of work.

    Trust me. I an no stranger to being unable to work.
    melissak wrote: »
    Or disabled or caring for a sick child / parent or widowed or unexpectedly separated when a stay at home parent or elderly...

    Am also more than au fait with caring for a disabled family member.


  • #163
    quinnd6
    Registered Users Posts: 1,558 ✭✭✭quinnd6


    Wow so far 50% of nearly 100 people would like to ban unemployed people from having the odd drink.
    What has the country come to seriously.
    So half the people don't remember what it's like being unemployed and unable to find work and want to make people suffer for being in that situation.
    I know you get the odd person who doesn't want to work but most people actually want to work and can't get work.
    Yep I'm surprised and very disappointed.


  • #164
    Swiftly
    Closed Accounts Posts: 59 ✭✭Swiftly


    quinnd6 wrote: »
    Wow so far 50% of nearly 100 people would like to ban unemployed people from having the odd drink.
    What has the country come to seriously.
    So half the people don't remember what it's like being unemployed and unable to find work and want to make people suffer for being in that situation.
    I know you get the odd person who doesn't want to work but most people actually want to work and can't get work.
    Yep I'm surprised and very disappointed.

    Don't be. If you asked the general public it would be a lot different. Boards attracts a lot of people who like to feel "outraged" and find fault in everything. They're usually right whingers. I'm neither but find the right to be the craziest with this social situations. Anyway like I said most are bitter and hate their lives and want others to suffer hence the moaning. Pick a group and blame them for their shortcomings in life. I had a drink tonight and guess what I saw an umemployed person in the bar. Absolutely scandalous


  • #165
    Simon2015
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 702 ✭✭✭Simon2015


    Wasn't David Norris caught scamming disability a few years ago ?

    He has some cheek to be attacking people on the dole.


  • #166
    Cork Lass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,897 ✭✭✭Cork Lass


    Who is anyone to decide how another spends their money. I'd only have a problem if a dependant was suffering because of money being spent on alcohol but then I'd have the same problem if this was happening to the dependant of an employed person. Everything in moderation.


  • #167
    CaptainInsano
    Closed Accounts Posts: 457 ✭✭CaptainInsano


    DaraghMAC wrote: »
    Job seekers have not!! You cannot look for work while you are drunk!!

    You can't look for work when you're asleep either. We need to organise an Anti Sleep Force to make sure they get 7 hours max. Also, saw someone I know that's on the dole eating out with her husband for his birthday recently. That has to end, only microwavable Aldi lasagnes from now on for special occasions, the rest of the time the money should only be spent on the bare minimum needed for a human to survive. Another thing that wrecks my head is when they go to the hairdressers instead of shaving their heads. Oh, and mandatory potato sacks, no more fancy Penny's outfits. It just gets to me so much that every single person on welfare spends every penny of my money on luxuries and getting drunk.


  • #168
    The_Kew_Tour
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34,424 ✭✭✭✭The_Kew_Tour


    He is spot on.


  • #169
    Pkiernan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,310 ✭✭✭Pkiernan


    Of course it's okay for long term dole recipients to buy 2 or 3 slabs of beer and 200 cigarettes with their dole money each week.....ffs


  • #170
    Pkiernan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,310 ✭✭✭Pkiernan


    And let's not forget the Child Allowance. No harm in mum spending that on wine and vodka either.


  • #171
    PissFlapsDory
    Registered Users Posts: 60 ✭✭PissFlapsDory


    Lights On wrote: »
    When did we start using dollars?

    The phrase 'tax dollars'....and the other one 'he's on the FF ticket' or 'she's on the FG ticket' etc. Pitiful phrases that just make me laugh when I hear them. It's almost as if the Americanization gives them more creedence.


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  • #172
    R P McMurphy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,129 ✭✭✭R P McMurphy


    Twitchy curtains on the Norris house


  • #173
    PissFlapsDory
    Registered Users Posts: 60 ✭✭PissFlapsDory


    As regards drinking culture in Ireland. Well, I guess stuff happens. Some people drink because they're 21 or so and having a good time. Others drink and wished they were 21 and were still having a good time. Get to around 40 to 50....and you can see it and smell it.
    I'm with Norris on this one... my hat is off to him for just saying it as it is. (excluding the use of the tax dollars phrase)


  • #174
    Banjoxed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Banjoxed


    quinnd6 wrote: »
    Wow so far 50% of nearly 100 people would like to ban unemployed people from having the odd drink.
    What has the country come to seriously.
    So half the people don't remember what it's like being unemployed and unable to find work and want to make people suffer for being in that situation.
    I know you get the odd person who doesn't want to work but most people actually want to work and can't get work.
    Yep I'm surprised and very disappointed.

    I'm not a bit surprised. There has always been a right wing streak in the professional classes. One of my teachers was an out and out admirer of Franco, while one employer used to make favourable comparisons between Haughey and Salazar.


  • #175
    PissFlapsDory
    Registered Users Posts: 60 ✭✭PissFlapsDory


    Banjoxed wrote: »
    There has always been a right wing streak in the professional classes. One of my teachers was an out and out admirer of Franco, while one employer used to make favourable comparisons between Haughey and Salazar.

    Wouldn't consider a person who gives a personal opinion about something not related their job or position as being a professional.


  • #176
    qo2cj1dsne8y4k
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,646 ✭✭✭✭qo2cj1dsne8y4k


    See some kids going around with the shoes falling off their feet, clothes either dirty or too small on them, and mammy out every Saturday night. After a hard week of being a full time mum to little angles.
    Disgust you so it would


  • #177
    Banjoxed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Banjoxed


    PissFlapsDory wrote: »
    Wouldn't consider a person who gives a personal opinion about something not related their job or position as being a professional.

    These were two people who revelled in having subordinates. My opinion of them was irrelevant until I no longer had to deal with them. The last one was also a Knight of Columbanus.


  • #178
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Cork Lass wrote: »
    Who is anyone to decide how another spends their money...

    One might say our money...though for all that not sure I agree with where Norris is going.


  • #179
    PissFlapsDory
    Registered Users Posts: 60 ✭✭PissFlapsDory


    Banjoxed wrote: »
    These were two people who revelled in having subordinates. My opinion of them was irrelevant until I no longer had to deal with them. The last one was also a Knight of Columbanus.
    Really, that's amazing.


  • #180
    Annasopra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,104 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    Deleted User wrote: »
    One might say our money...though for all that not sure I agree with where Norris is going.

    But its not "our money" or Norriss Dollars.

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



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  • #181
    Wibbs
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    Banjoxed wrote: »
    I'm not a bit surprised. There has always been a right wing streak in the professional classes. One of my teachers was an out and out admirer of Franco.
    The Joke is *godwin alert* Hitler's party brought in social welfare to Germany and against quite the opposition from the "professional classes" too. So long as you were a member of the "master race" of course…

    Norris is a blowhard of long standing.

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • #182
    arybvtcw0eolkf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 24,878 ✭✭✭✭arybvtcw0eolkf


    A horrible pompous fat little bastard of a man.


  • #183
    steddyeddy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,564 ✭✭✭✭steddyeddy


    Hasn't beer a higher level of VAT placed on it than food? If so then I'd rather social welfare be spent on beer as a lot more would go back into the system.


  • #184
    JustTheOne
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,681 ✭✭✭JustTheOne


    LexieOnRale wrote: »
    See some kids going around with the shoes falling off their feet, clothes either dirty or too small on them, and mammy out every Saturday night. After a hard week of being a full time mum to little angles.
    Disgust you so it would

    Then we have the usual idiots blabbing on about child poverty.


  • #185
    foggy_lad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,373 ✭✭✭✭foggy_lad


    CaptainInsano wrote: »
    You can't look for work when you're asleep either. We need to organise an Anti Sleep Force to make sure they get 7 hours max. Also, saw someone I know that's on the dole eating out with her husband for his birthday recently. That has to end, only microwavable Aldi lasagnes from now on for special occasions, the rest of the time the money should only be spent on the bare minimum needed for a human to survive. Another thing that wrecks my head is when they go to the hairdressers instead of shaving their heads. Oh, and mandatory potato sacks, no more fancy Penny's outfits. It just gets to me so much that every single person on welfare spends every penny of my money on luxuries and getting drunk.
    I'm going to open a new shop and call it Offal fruit & veg selling old veg and the rankest old offal I can get my hands on and it will only be open on dole day.
    Jairo Stocky Hazelnut wrote: »
    A horrible pompous fat little bastard of a man.
    No need for that, Wibbs is not that bad:D


  • #186
    Tarzana2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,553 ✭✭✭Tarzana2


    NachoBusiness wrote: »
    Trust me. I an no stranger to being unable to work.



    Am also more than au fait with caring for a disabled family member.

    Right, OK, so during times where you haven't worked, you'd have been happy using vouchers or a card. Whipping vouchers out in front a queue of people in a shop, half of who will be making all kinds of judgements on your character if AH threads are anything to go by. And would you really be OK with being told you can't buy certain items? It wasn't because you were a slacker that you were out of work. So wouldn't you feel a bit hard done by having items restricted like you're an unrepentant dipso?


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  • #187
    Mr. CooL ICE
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,646 ✭✭✭✭Mr. CooL ICE


    Mod:

    Cut out the personal abuse


  • #188
    steddyeddy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,564 ✭✭✭✭steddyeddy


    It seems to me Norris is just angry in general. When he runs out of one thing to be angry about he finds another.


  • #189
    L.Jenkins
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 19,241 Mod ✭✭✭✭L.Jenkins


    In all honesty, what ever about Norris and his ramblings, do people on social not have better things to be spending 188 a week on? I work and the last thing I'd want to be buying is drink. Yes, drinking isn't for everyone, but paying bills and buying food on 188, sure how would you have anything left for booze in the first place.


  • #190
    steddyeddy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,564 ✭✭✭✭steddyeddy


    Itzy wrote: »
    In all honesty, what ever about Norris and his ramblings, do people on social not have better things to be spending 188 a week on? I work and the last thing I'd want to be buying is drink. Yes, drinking isn't for everyone, but paying bills and buying food on 188, sure how would you have anything left for booze in the first place.

    Yes they do I suppose. I taught in UCD and TBH I'd be more concerned with how much of our tax money is drank away there. 8000 a year per pupil is paid for by the taxpayer to fund students. A lot of it is a waster of money considering the party attitudes the student has.

    Saying that let them get on with it and let people on the dole make their choices. I'm sure some of the child benefit money goes to wine too. There are worse things to get angry about.


  • #191
    Capercaillie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,732 ✭✭✭Capercaillie


    Itzy wrote: »
    In all honesty, what ever about Norris and his ramblings, do people on social not have better things to be spending 188 a week on? I work and the last thing I'd want to be buying is drink. Yes, drinking isn't for everyone, but paying bills and buying food on 188, sure how would you have anything left for booze in the first place.

    David Norris is in no ways perfect, but he defo has a point. A better system is needed, food stamps would be a better way for dole money to be spent. Rent allowance paid directly to landlords. Dole money being paid into furthering education/courses. Dole money being utilized for important things not feckin booze money.


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  • #192
    Tarzana2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,553 ✭✭✭Tarzana2


    steddyeddy wrote: »
    Yes they do I suppose. I taught in UCD and TBH I'd be more concerned with how much of our tax money is drank away there. 8000 a year per pupil is paid for by the taxpayer to fund students. A lot of it is a waster of money considering the party attitudes the student has.

    From my experience, many students with a party attitude are also very good students. If they can do both and are not wasting their education, good for them! Many workers who don't to go to college also have that party lifestyle in their early 20s. It's all part of being young.


  • #193
    steddyeddy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,564 ✭✭✭✭steddyeddy


    Tarzana2 wrote: »
    From my experience, many students with a party attitude are also very good students. If they can do both and are not wasting their education, good for them! Many workers who don't to go to college also have that party lifestyle in their early 20s. It's all part of being young.

    Well not in biochemistry anyway. Saying that even if they're good students the taxpayers are paying 8000 a year for them to party and get a degree. I wouldn't change it but it's a worse source of waste than someone on the dole buying some drink IMHO.


  • #194
    Minderbinder
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,030 ✭✭✭Minderbinder


    Norris needs to quieten down. The last thing the ruling class needs is sobriety among the peasants. With the ensuing clarity they might start having ideas and things on how to improve their lives apart from intoxication. They might even begin to challenge the politicians of the day.

    No David, let those on social welfare and in low income employment have their benefits. The idea is to make them feel content with what they have but feel they can't have anymore. Slowly turning them into obedient cowards who know their place in the circle of life. Let them drink for if they drink there won't be any threat to the hierarchy.

    So shut it Norris and don't suggest alcohol is not an integral part of life. Sure isn't everyone entitled to a drink!


  • #195
    melissak
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,873 ✭✭✭melissak


    Sorry. I was talking about David norris not you. No offence to you meant.
    NachoBusiness wrote: »
    Trust me. I an no stranger to being unable to work.



    Am also more than au fait with caring for a disabled family member.


  • #196
    suicide_circus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,802 ✭✭✭✭suicide_circus


    David Norris

    1) in favour of nonses
    2) thinks rte are a disgrace for their recent sting operation on corrupt councillors
    3) opposed to dolies with a bag of cans


  • #197
    melissak
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,873 ✭✭✭melissak


    Isn't that what alcohol was introduced for? Was reading a book about it. The church used to control the hops market and banned all other beer making ingredients herbs, burdock etc. The other ale herbs were stimulating but the hops are sedating. The masses need sedating/distraction or I they might revolt. I don't see David norris doing very well in rowdier times. He is not very hardy and he is very annoying. His head would roll pretty early in a reign of terror type scenario I imagine.
    Minderbinder wrote: »
    Norris needs to quieten down. The last thing the ruling class needs is sobriety among the peasants. With the ensuing clarity they might start having ideas and things on how to improve their lives apart from intoxication. They might even begin to challenge the politicians of the day.

    No David, let those on social welfare and in low income employment have their benefits. The idea is to make them feel content with what they have but feel they can't have anymore. Slowly turning them into obedient cowards who know their place in the circle of life. Let them drink for if they drink there won't be any threat to the hierarchy.

    So shut it Norris and don't suggest alcohol is not an integral part of life. Sure isn't everyone entitled to a drink!


  • #198
    Orangebrigade
    Registered Users Posts: 280 ✭✭Orangebrigade


    He probably has a point about Irish people on the dole spending tax payers money on Alcohol. Well for starters you have a drinking problem among Irish people and if someone can discourage them from drinking excessive amounts, then it can only be a good thing.


  • #199
    SeanW
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,882 ✭✭✭SeanW


    Swiftly wrote: »
    Must find my Santa suit, fill my bag with bottles of vodka and stand outside the dole office handing out presents to harshly judged. I'll dedicate it to all the moaning snobs. Merry Crimbo
    That would be legendary :pac:
    Hermy wrote: »
    He only wants equality for himself.
    Par for the course for the modern Left unfortunately.
    readytosnap wrote: »
    where are they available for virtually nothing? I need some for Christmas.
    They are 24 - 40 euro around here I would not consider that virtually nothing, Having said that I am not on a senators income.
    You'll be looking for a long time - Irish drink prices are the 2nd most expensive, next only to Finland (we may have eclipsed Finland in recent years) at 167% of the EU average, only Finland is higher at 170%. By contrast the UK is a steal at only 117%. Source. No wonder I can use Euros in every shop in Enniskillen :pac:

    It seems we're being led by deranged rabid ultra Authoritarians that are either wilfully blind to their stupidity and ignorance, or mendacious to an inexplicable extreme.


  • #200
    Tarzana2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,553 ✭✭✭Tarzana2


    steddyeddy wrote: »
    Well not in biochemistry anyway.

    I did science. I can't say that the biochemistry students distinguished themselves as slackers. They worked hard, played hard like anyone else. They are still getting a good education, if they can do that and have an active social life, good for them. Once work is done to a high standard, I don't see what relevance their social life has. Many also worked part-time. It's not a waste at all, IMO.


  • #201
    K-9
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43,311 ✭✭✭✭K-9


    Well he has a point but what does he actually suggest doing about it.

    Cigarettes and fast food would need to be included as well, so a voucher system?

    Mad Men's Don Draper : What you call love was invented by guys like me, to sell nylons.



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