Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will not find common ground on this here. I acknowledge that the Minister accepted amendments - indeed, the Minister accepted one of my amendments - on Committee Stage, and accepted the spirit of amendments that were raised at Second Stage as well. The Bill has been strengthened.

It is important, because it has not been placed on the record, to state that in this section we are also repealing a home improvement scheme and this is not the first time a home improvement scheme was brought into law. We are repealing a home improvement scheme that was focused on environmental issues that was never commenced. It is probably unfortunate. I say that because many in the construction sector have been idle for far too long and for the past number of years, it was never commenced because of whatever problem - drafting errors, etc. - and that ministerial order was never given effect.

We are removing a scheme that focused on environmental issues and expanding the scheme to allow for one's garden to be landscaped. I am sure residents want to enjoy their nice gardens, but the Minister is replacing one tax credit scheme, which was not only about getting the construction sector moving but about making an impact in terms of the environment, with another.

I am not arguing against the scheme. The scheme it worthy. I would like to see the threshold reduced but, as I stated, the inclusion of the multiple contractors and years of assessments probably goes some way to addressing the issues.

However, I will press this amendment.

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