Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendment. The key point is I do not see how the Minister can possibly justify that such relief exists for those paying subscriptions to professional bodies and not allow the same for trade union members. It is a clear case of discrimination. Workers need the protection of trade unions every bit as much as professional bodies may feel the need to exist and that people may wish to be members of them to protect their interests or to carry on their particular trade. The discrimination and inequity of this must be addressed. The trade union relief should be brought back in. I am interested in hearing the Minister's response because the position is not fair.

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