Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Does Ms Feehily understand my frustration and the frustration of many people who might tune in to this committee session? There is a deferral but no exemption for people who clearly and fairly fall into "persons experiencing financial hardship", and Ms Feehily also used the term "fairness" in terms of the application of this tax. The big problem that all of us face, and that Revenue faces, is that Revenue is administering a taxation measure which is not fair. It is not fair to simply offer deferral to somebody on a very low income or on a welfare payment. This is a policy decision by the Government and it is ironic that Ms Feehily would come in here, and whatever about being questioned vigorously by Opposition Deputies, to be questioned by Government Deputies also who have supported this measure. I am not laying the unfairness piece at the feet of Revenue but as public servants the witnesses face a real dilemma.

There is every likelihood the Department will use mandatory instruments to take money from people it knows cannot afford to pay the tax. This proposal is mind-boggling and it is a great pity we have come to this pass.

Is a deferral something people must seek on an annual basis? For example, if a person is on jobseeker's allowance in May 2013 and still in that position in May 2014, must he or she return to Revenue to seek a deferral? Is a deferral granted for a 12 month period only?