David Norris (Independent)

The Minister might consider this area and come up with a focused measure. According to the amendment, it seems a dwelling does not even have to be attached to the main house. It would be inappropriate if very wealthy people with very wealthy parents did not have to pay just because those parents lived in a structure that had been transferred to their children by gift of deed, for example. A sum of €200 is fairly modest. The amendment is so broad that it fails to achieve its intention, with which I hope the Minister agrees. I imagine he might do so. If I were him, I would not allow myself to be intimidated or bullied out of accepting the principle of a good amendment simply because some less enlightened people in the Lower House would make a mockery of it because of his having done the right thing. If one does the right thing, it has its own reward. The intention of the amendment is very good but its scope is just too broad.