David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I second the amendment. As a point of principle, every State charge should be income linked and based on ability to pay. I have often heard it said, including before my election to this House, that politicians sometimes live in ivory towers and do not understand what circumstances are like for some. Although the charge is €50, the Minister will agree that, for many households, it represents a lot of money, even if it is a one-off charge. In this regard, consider the plight of a household in which both parties have lost their jobs and simply do not have financial means, or are struggling on social welfare. We are looking for a waiver system to protect the less well-off. We are opposed to the charge in any case and do not believe it should be in place. However, if the Minister is to proceed with it, the very least he should do is ensure it is income linked and that those on very low incomes and welfare will not be subject to it.