Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

-----that those in most need in our communities would be on salaries of up to €150,000. Let us get real. I urge the Deputies to withdraw the amendments. It is just ridiculous.

The exemptions to the household charge, taken together with the waivers contained in the Bill, provide a reasonable level of protection for those in greatest need in our communities. As such, it is not proposed to provide for additional waivers or exemptions and, accordingly, I cannot accept the amendments proposed by the Opposition.

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