Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I, too, support Deputy Bruton's amendment. Any measure of relief or support which can be directed towards those who are providing caring support in the home is to be welcomed. The limited supports and poor opportunities for further relief currently available to those who provide service, commitment and care in the home impose a responsibility on us to reflect the interests and needs of home carers at every opportunity. I have no difficulty, therefore, in supporting the amendment.

Having had amendments Nos. 5 and 6 ruled out of order, I am unable to follow the reasoning behind the refusal to accept some amendments while rejecting others. The excuses trundled out for rejecting amendment No. 5, for example, which sought to introduce indexation to recognise the reality of the increase in the cost of living, was that it would impose a charge on the Exchequer or people. While I support amendment No. 8, does it, too, not entail imposing a charge? Where and how is the line drawn in deciding which amendments are valid and which are out of order? Deputies put in equal work in trying to present amendments which will make a critical difference to the Finance Bill. It is disappointing when they are rejected as frequently as they have been by the Ceann Comhairle.

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