Alex White (Labour)

The Minister's observation that it would be a burden on NAMA is neither acceptable nor adequate. Of course it would be a burden. The Minister is obliged to shoulder certain burdens but these are legitimately carried by him and shared by others. It would be extraordinary if the fact that something might be a burden were the only reason for its exclusion. I have sympathy for the civil servants and others who are charged with unearthing information and making it available. The line of argument offered by the Minister is extremely thin, particularly in the context of the many and varied comments he has made in this and the Lower House in respect of this legislation. His response to the effect that we should accept that this should not be done because the processing of applications would constitute a burden is extremely disappointing.