Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I understand the amendment I tabled which would have had the effect of the section not commencing was ruled out of order. I can understand the reason the Minister's arguments for not agreeing to it, but what I do not understand because he did not respond to the question I put to him directly is what is preventing his officials from carrying out the type of assessment sought in a number of months instead of having to wait a year. If the assessment turns up the scenario that it was a terrible idea and has been counterproductive, we will have to turn off the tap in the next budget. The Minister is convinced that it is not a bad idea, but if it is, as legislators, we should have as quickly as possible the type of assessment that should have been carried out prior to the scheme being announced in order that we will be able to introduce an amendment to the Finance Bill to turn off the tap. What is to prevent this from being done in the next three months instead of the next 11?