David Norris (Independent)

The Minister of State has fundamentally misunderstood the purpose and function of Seanad Éireann under the Constitution. We are here to amend and improve legislation, not maintain the status quo, which is an absurd position. I am profoundly shocked to discover that the instructions came from the Revenue Commissioners. We have at last flushed it out. They are not a legislative body and they have exceeded their capacity in this. It is appalling that the Revenue Commissioners, for their own mean-minded reasons, can make such a decision and override the wishes of the Oireachtas. I assure the Minister of State many members of his party would have the same idea.

Will he reserve his position on this? Senator Bacik referred to the Attorney General but I am not sure whether it is possible for us, as Oireachtas Members or as citizens, to obtain access to the advice given to the Minister of State under the Freedom of Information Act 1997 because, unfortunately the Government, in another of its wide-ranging human rights activities, has limited that as well. However, we might try it. Will the Minister of State, given the considerable passion about this issue, which he has acknowledged, give us a similar commitment to those he gave on less significant, although important, issues that he will consider it?

After all, there was a little hiccup earlier, as a result of which the progress of this legislation will not be as rapid as some might have anticipated, and the Minister of State will not hold anything up by asking a few questions. We do not want to be obstructive and we will not put the amendment to a vote if he can give an indication that the matter may be considered. It is a bad day for the country if we can only have legislation as permitted by the Revenue Commissioners who are determined to maintain the status quo. Seanad Éireann, despite its occasional defects, is not a rubber stamp for the status quo. We are here to make improvements on behalf of the citizen to the extent of our capacity.