Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On Committee Stage in dealing with Deputy Michael McGrath's original amendment I highlighted the many provisions which would have allowed high rollers to benefit from it. The origins of this measure lie an institute, one of the members of which sat on multiple boards and was paid substantial fees. To pick up on Deputy Michael McGrath's point, the reality is that the expenses of many PAYE workers are taxed. That is the key point. What we are doing here is different. While I am not satisfied with the introduction of the amendment, I recognise that it is at least limited in its scope with respect to what was originally contained in the Bill in two key respects. There will be a €5,000 threshold, while the amounts paid will be in line with what is laid down by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I welcome that part of the amendment.

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