Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy said, the decision on the limits was taken today by Government so the legislative work will now begin and will be conducted in such a way as to make it effective for the forthcoming local elections this year. The intention would be to introduce it in a timely manner.

With regard to the statutory arrangements being put in place for the pensions levy, the heads of the Bill were considered by Government today. It is intended that it will come before Cabinet again very quickly, be published, brought to the House and enacted as a matter of urgency, because it is important it is enacted quickly. We intend that it would be effective from next month.

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