John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Quinn's recommendation and also profess a personal interest because I frequently buy hot food from garages, Superquinn and other outlets. The Senator is correct in that this is the epitome of a stealth tax. To use a south Kilkenny colloquialism, it was "snuck in" between the budget and the publication of the Finance Bill 2005. It impacts on a particular segment of the community, the people who do not have as much time as they once did to prepare meals in their homes and who now frequently choose the convenience option. This may be portrayed as an attempt by the Government to tackle the obesity issue.

I and other politicians are regularly on the road and do not have the time to sit down and eat as we should. We end up grabbing this type of food. The Minister should accept Senator Quinn's recommendation on this petty matter as there is no need for the introduction of the new charge. Something must be done to reverse this decision.