Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

The Minister of State has not offered any argument which is sufficient to justify the anomaly contained in the Bill. He referred to the original intention of the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, in bringing forward the dates relating to the self-employed and CAT is to enable better forecasting. The Minister reversed his position in that regard and it appears that either he or his Department has forgotten the consequential amendment that will be required as a result. I am not making a political point here. My argument relates to the technical and self-evident flaw contained in the Bill, which introduces an inconsistency in the Government policy enunciated in last year's Finance Act. I cannot understand how the Minister, when he considers its merits, is unable to accede to the argument being put forward.

It is self-evident that there is an inconsistency in the Bill. That inconsistency was corrected last year but it has been reinstated in section 70. I intend, therefore, to press the matter to a vote. If what is happening is representative of the manner in which the Minister for Finance is intent on dealing with recommendations or corrections in the House, he is making the Seanad irrelevant. It is disappointing for Senators, who are assisting the Government with regard to the passage of the legislation, that the arguments they are putting forward - which would involve the making of technical amendments consistent with the Government's policy - are being dismissed.