Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I agree with what Deputy Doherty said and I seek a ruling from you, Chairman. Most of the amendments I have tabled have been ruled out of order on the grounds Deputy Doherty mentioned. The amendments oppose proposed changes to the tax law so, by definition, they cannot impose a charge on the State. They are unambiguously in order. This ruling has been applied to most of my amendments. Some of my amendments that have been ruled out of order will not be reached by the committee for several hours. Is there a way to revert to the Ceann Comhairle's office or to whoever is the deciding officer? The ruling out of order of very legitimate amendments is unambiguously incorrect. The salient point Deputy Doherty made is that the reason given for my amendments being ruled out of order is that my amendments would incur additional taxation on people or businesses. However, the amendments are opposing proposed changes, so they are not proposing any change to the law. They are opposing changes to the law. Therefore, by definition, they cannot impose a charge. Is there any way we can seek to have some of these decisions reviewed in light of the fact that they are clearly wrong?