Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will withdraw amendment No. 12 in light of the fact that the Minister has committed to commissioning a full report before the next budget. On amendment No. 11, the Minister said that he could not have foreseen the inequity in this when the cap was first lifted. I have to say that he was warned at the time. Deputy Pearse Doherty highlighted this in his speech on the Finance Bill 2015 when the cap was removed and the programme extended. He said that the costs would eventually spiral out of control, and that is on the record. This is certainly a step in the right direction. We are quick enough to criticise the Minister, but we will support his amendment on this matter.

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