Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise two issues, one of which overlaps with the issue raised by Deputies O'Donnell and Troy regarding the Revenue guidance. It appears quite clear from page four of the Revenue guidance that the payments are not taxable whereas on page eight, it says that it is subject to taxation at the end of the year so could the Minister clarify that matter?

Regarding amendments Nos. 59 and 68 put forward by Deputy Michael McGrath, while I respect and appreciate the need for the Minister to have at his disposal the power to vary this legislation as the emergency evolves and as he sees the need to do so, I am conscious of the fact that after tomorrow and indeed next week and beyond, the Government's powers are quite limited with regard to consent from the Oireachtas regarding issues that arise. I know Deputy Michael McGrath made the same point about the €3.7 billion that is provided. How far beyond the €2.4 billion already committed does that go if it goes any further at all? I know we have a surplus in this year at our disposal. We have the ISIF funding, the NTMA stockpiling, reserves, the rainy day fund and so forth but there comes a time when one goes beyond all that. There comes a time when a budget may well be necessary. There comes a time when this Oireachtas needs to provide for what is needed and that may not be possible without a Government in situand a functioning majority. I do not know what the Minister said regarding this issue on Second Stage but I do not think he necessarily addressed the amendments that have been suggested. Perhaps he will elaborate on his thoughts on those amendments with the opportunity he now has. It may well be that he can give a commitment to the House that it is feasible, possible and within his powers to bring back an update to the Dáil at that stage on the 12th week that would get the consent of the Oireachtas at that time. If it was such that we were going beyond the figures we have mentioned and there was a need for a budgetary process, obviously, what happens in the intervening period might look after that issue and the Minister for Finance of the day would address the Dáil at that stage. As public representatives, we feel that we cannot on a wing and a prayer allow with no provision for what might be needed. It is dependent on the consent of us as representatives of the people that this be the case. If the Minister cannot accept and feels he is constrained by the amendments, could he explain to the House how best he sees us being in a position to be satisfied, that being the case?

See this speech in context