John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind the Minister that, on the last occasion he was here, he mentioned he was going to consider the position. As stated by Deputy Michael McGrath this morning, the point was made that the change is being implemented on 1 March and that there is very serious concern in small businesses all over the country. It was asked whether it would be possible to at least put the date back and enter into discussions with all the stakeholders. I am aware that the Minister said at the last meeting that this has happened but there is now a lot of evidence to suggest smaller businesses have not been consulted at all. It is only now that they are beginning to write to Oireachtas Members and the Minister. On that front, I ask him to put the date back and perhaps give a chance to the businesses concerned to enter into some sort of consultation with him or the Revenue Commissioners to arrive at a position that is commercially sensible.