Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I cannot accept the amendment, or any of the similarly worded amendments which propose the deletion of all sections of the Bill other than sections 7, 12, 13, 17, 23 and 24. I outlined the purpose of the Bill on Second Stage and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, spoke about it on Committee Stage. I will not accept the amendments put down by the Labour Party, as they would, in effect, negative the purpose of the Bill.

I wish to comment on a point made by Senator Ryan. When Senator McDowell was a Member of the Lower House, he gave me some credit. He said he enjoyed reading the deliberations of the tax strategy group, for example, because he knew that I would not adopt any of the group's proposals in the budget or the Finance Bill. Senators are aware that I do not have any difficulties in accepting or rejecting advice. The purpose of the Bill, which has been well outlined, would be negated by the Labour Party's first group of amendments, with which I do not agree.