Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our job in this Dáil is to ensure any of the rules we adhere to and abide by and any of our taxation measures are as fair as possible. It is our job to make sure anything we put in place is fair and applicable to all citizens. It is about understanding what the potential implications are, what measures need to be taken and what the overall cost will be. The Minister for Finance said this is something that can be discussed or is open to discussion as part of the overall budget conversation because that is where it must come from. I appreciate the Deputy's point that this is more than a budget conversation or taxation measure; we are talking about people's lives. I certainly do not think a dog's life is worth more or a dog should be in a better position than a young person, niece or nephew as he mentioned.

This is about all of us collectively looking at our rules and how we can make them more equitable, fairer and how we apply them equally. We have to do so, however, within the parameters and contexts available to us. I am very aware of this and I am sure the Minister is open to doing that.

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