Derek McDowell (Labour)

There is significant merit in the recommendation being made by Senator Browne and the Fine Gael Party. I can anticipate some of the Minister's response. I know he has altered the nature of the tax form so that people must at least declare income even if it is not subject to tax.

It is important that we assess the amount of tax that has been foregone because of these tax breaks, but it is perhaps even more important that we assess the benefit that is being derived from them. We will deal in later sections with specific breaks for those who build student accommodation, holiday homes and so on. Perhaps when we get that far we can try to investigate their actual benefit. As a general principle, however, the notion that we should make an annual assessment of the effects and cost of the tax breaks is useful.