Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 34, line 2, to delete “Subject to subsections (2) and (3), every” and substitute “Every”.

Transparency is the ally of a citizen and in most cases involving central, local government or tax affairs where there is transparency, it usually results in better behaviour by all involved. The purpose of these amendments is to remove the rules which to all intents and purposes mean that appeals will be heard in private. I understand the arguments for this change but in the round we believe it is important to have transparency in this system. This trend within the Bill runs counter to the trend elsewhere regarding openness and transparency and is not necessary to protect the rights of taxpayers. A decision was made on this on Committee Stage but the Government is going further than what was suggested with regard to the level of transparency that is necessary. As it is worded, the Bill brings in private hearings and transparency will be lost as a result.

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