Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 9:

In page 15, before section 11, to insert the following new section:

"10.—The Minister shall where the Minister for Finance proposes a measure to grant tax relief in order to achieve a specific policy objective in relation to the provision of a service or activity which is also funded through public expenditure prepare a statement of how this relief relates to public expenditure policy relating to the relevant service or activity.".

I will withdraw this amendment, but I hope the Minister seriously takes on board the point we make. We are not necessarily opposed to guillotining the debate on legislation. We did it in government and it can be effective at times. The way the scheduling of business was done this week - and I have made this point to the other Minister - was not very fair to anyone, including perhaps even to the Minister.

Members have tabled amendments and they deal with serious issues despite what has been said on the other side. They are generally good amendments. We should have time to talk though them without filibustering.