Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Since I triggered risk equalisation in 2005, there has been nothing but litigation. That is a fact. I do not know how many times we have been in the courts but we have not been able to transfer payments. We are now addressing the matter by way of the tax system, which I believe is fair. This is a short term measure which has been approved by the EU as a justifiable state aid because it serves the needs of older and sicker people. I appeal to the Deputy not to press an amendment which effectively fillets the legislation.

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