Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, the Minister, Deputy Gormley, who previously dealt with the Bill in the Seanad, and the officials who drafted the legislation for the approach they took in that regard and for the open-minded approach to suggestions from the Opposition. In contrast, last night no matter what was said by the Opposition, we were told that no amendments would be accepted because the Dáil was not sitting. Thank God the Local Government (Charges) Bill was debated at a time when we could listen to common sense and that some of us with experience could help to make the Bill better.

If we had more time we would be able to discuss the ins and outs of the legislation. The Minister referred to the Bill as being a short one. Perhaps it should not be that short because, for example, the parent who is moving into the granny flat should not have to pay the €200 charge if he or she is not incapacitated. We all know that will happen. Thousands of people will not be affected but it should not happen as that is not the intention of the Bill.

I thank the Minister of State for the manner in which the Bill was handled. Senator Coffey's point on monitoring the legislation is important as it provides significant potential to local government to raise additional funding. The Government has suggested a figure of €40 million or €50 million but the figures from the CSO and the Library & Research Service suggest €97 million. We all hope it will be at the upper end of the scale. Local authorities might need some assistance. For example, if we do not advertise in the Six Counties, that will have an immediate effect on my county of Donegal. We need to focus on certain minor issues. I accept there may be teething problems and a close analysis of the implementation of the legislation is required. I look forward to receiving a report in September on how local authorities have managed to date in terms of funding accruing from the charges. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, for her attendance and how she has dealt with the Bill. I wish it well.