Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

In the context of the amendment, I wish to make a point for the benefit of those who have been Members of the House for a short period but who have had long experience at local level. It is legitimate for those of us on this side to question both the concept behind and the amount of a charge. I do not accept the argument that people can throw €50 around like snuff at a wake as if it makes no difference to them. One need only read the newspapers or walk around one's community to realise that the development charges to which Senator Gilroy refers are now, sadly, history. We are in a completely new economic environment where €50 means something to people.