Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It has already been decided to end the flat-rate expenses relief system in respect of 75,000 workers in five categories. Those working in shops will be most affected by this decision. Will the Minister confirm to the House whether that decision still stands or is now subject to review? Will he outline whether any reviews have taken place in respect of workers outside the five categories to which I have referred? Have decisions been made in respect of those workers at this point? The Taoiseach asserted in this Chamber yesterday that he will personally ensure there is political proofing in this regard. Does that not suggest that this will ultimately be a political decision, as the Taoiseach clearly indicated in this House yesterday, rather than one that is solely in the hands of Revenue? Will the Minister deal with this issue in a transparent way by amending the Finance Bill as it makes its way through the Seanad to ensure any changes to the flat-rate expenses regime will require political proofing by means of the consent of the Houses of the Oireachtas?

See this speech in context