Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I tabled this amendment in an effort to be constructive. I can also be destructive, as some people will be aware. Being constructive involves changing the Bill to the betterment of everyone. The Minister took my arguments on the minimum wage and the Irish language out of context but I would prefer to deal with that outside the House because I prefer to address the amendment in the limited time available to me on Report Stage.

The change in PRSI is tied to the reversion of the cut in the minimum wage. We tabled an amendment to that effect to the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 because the reduction was originally provided for in another Finance Bill. There was no delay on our part. The measure could have been implemented in the first week of the new Dáil because it was not necessary to tie it to anything. The Government tied it to the changes in PRSI introduced in this Bill. That is where the delay lies. It is not of my making or of anyone else. The Irish language is a different matter altogether. Given the change, I do not suggest that we delay.

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