Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Minister of State's arguments with regard to those timelines. However, I find it deeply concerning that the legislation might not be commenced by 28 July. Eighteen other European countries have moved on this legislation and are at a significantly advanced stage in many of those. We have had delay after delay, and we have a handful of amendments to discuss today because so many of them have been ruled out of order. There is an absolute consistency in what we in Opposition are trying to do in our amendments. It is to act more aggressively to ensure there are fewer loopholes for companies to avail of and ensure this funding is made available as quickly as possible and that it is specifically made available as a relief for people with the sky-high cost of electricity.

I will not press the amendments. I accept the Minister of State's argument on those technical issues regarding tax timelines and reporting. We need to act with haste on this legislation and people need to see the relief as quickly as possible.

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