Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies. I recognise and agree with the need to review the operation of the scheme once it is established. I believe that there is an allowance for that review incorporated into the Bill as it stands. It will take place. My primary concern about the amendment is that the six month time period is too short to practically ensure that it is done well, that it is relevant and that we can get the appropriate data required in order to ultimately make a decision. We need to have a review of the operation. Section 25 provides for a review of the operation of the scheme at any time, and for reports on such reviews to be made to the Oireachtas. In addition, Standing Order 164A requires me to carry out a review of the functioning of the legislation 12 months after its enactment and to lay that review before the Oireachtas as well. I believe 12 months is a more appropriate time than six months because of all of the aspects that are required to be reviewed in the context of section 13. Initially it will be a good opportunity to review it and find out what the impact of section 13 - and its associated regulations - has been, in the context of the overall operation of the legislation.

I am concerned that a review of the scheme six months after its roll-out would not give enough time to let the scheme bed in. It would not allow enough time for reliable and useable time series data to be generated which could inform any necessary changes to the scheme. In short, we would lack the evidence to make an evidence-informed policy decision. I intend to carry out a full evaluation of the operation of the scheme once it has been running for a sufficient period of time. For these reasons I cannot accept the amendment.