Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

When the Bill was first published concerns were expressed that certain matters were not included in its provisions. The matters were taxation, social welfare and health-children provisions. I would have preferred if the issue of children had been addressed in this measure but this was not done and no such provisions are before us.

I accepted from the beginning the Minister's explanation that the social welfare and taxation matters would be dealt with in the next social welfare Bill or the next finance Bill, which is how it will be. However, it would be helpful if the Minister would indicate - as he has already done in Committee - the intention of the Government in regard to the social welfare and taxation provisions. Obviously I do not expect the Minister to outline the specific sections of Acts that will be amended. However, I would like him to indicate the Government's broad intention in those two matters.

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