Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Senator O'Toole may not be aware that the finance Bill which will go through the Houses is not the one that would have gone through otherwise. A second Bill in which all of the issues mentioned will be addressed will be agreed and introduced early in the life of the next Government. Many of the issues being addressed in the other House by Independent Members — Independent Members in this House, in particular, have a fine record — have been raised by my party in government and since it left and I am confident they will be addressed by way of amendment. However, there is a certain cynicism attached to the last-minute bargaining and the debased currency that is Irish politics. These issues are being raised in public, but what is taking place behind the scenes may be a different type of bargaining. This is the type of politics of which we must get rid. I admit to personal revulsion at the idea of some individuals promoting tax equity, given their own personal history. That our political system is held hostage to the views of people with such histories and experience is not to our benefit. I look forward to the other House making an appropriate decision and the Bill being debated fully and responsibly in this House.