Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I agree with the Minister's latter comments. That is why I think we could or should have grabbed the Bill by the horns and allowed local authorities to set their own rates but I note the Minister's comments on this and know that he is disposed to examining the point. I welcome the fact that he has agreed to consider some of the other issues, three of which are covered in some shape or form in my amendments. I am glad of the Minister's interaction with Members here.

I did not put down an amendment under section 15 but my point is that the section commits the local authorities to paying the relevant money to the town councils but does not state when. The local authorities will receive the money at the end of March but can hold onto it under the legislation until December.