Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)

Amendment No. 13 arose from a suggestion put forward by Deputy McManus. We accepted amendment No. 12 but there is a different definition in amendment No. 13. We made the point that it was heavy-handed to have an elaborate appeals system for claims but no right of appeal against demand for repayments where the contractor is satisfied that there has been misrepresentation. In fairness to the Minister, he indicated on Committee Stage that he was prepared to examine that aspect and in the spirit of that commitment the Labour Party accepted his point and did not submit an amendment because we felt his would be positive. From the evidence I have seen and the advice I have got, however, the Minister has got this completely wrong.

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