Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 11, between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following:“(3) Nothing within the provisions set out in subsections (1) or (2) above shall require the payment of more than one specified rate per insured person in any 12 month period.”.

There is no point in my going into a long debate. Obviously, the Minister is in an argumentative mood. I am only trying to put forward viewpoints. That is my duty and obligation as an Opposition Deputy as well as to at least tease out issues. In fairness, the Minister should recognise that is the purpose of the committee. The purpose of the committee is for the Minister to come before it, for me to put down amendments, for the Minister to answer them and for me to argue the case. There is nothing unusual in that. It has been happening in this House since 1922 and it should continue. Obviously, we can have robust debate from time to time, but when I table an amendment I do so in good faith and if the Minister can counter the argument, that is fine. I do not see why the Minister has to get over-dramatic and excited about these issues.