Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

We do not need to divide on this issue if the Government is willing to facilitate a revocation of the statutory instrument, which was put before the House on 28 January. The levy order will take effect if we choose not to annul it within 21 working days of the Dáil. That period runs out next Thursday.

Following significant discussion this morning, the BAI has agreed to come back to the joint committee to discuss its budget for 2010 and the levy required to raise it. On that basis, the joint committee has submitted a motion that the order be annulled, pending further consideration of the authority's budget by the joint committee. That motion was proposed by the Chairman, who is a member of a Government party. We request that the Government facilitate that annulment order before next Thursday.

It is unusual that events develop in this way but it is appropriate that the joint committee's proposal be followed at this point.

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