David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

The first point I would make on the amendments under discussion is that we cannot table a simple amendment which calls for the complete abolition of the €100 charge because it would be ruled out of order. That is why we have looked at mitigating the worst excesses of the charge and ways in which we can protect people on welfare, including old age pensioners, and those who earn under €75,000 a year. When we get to that amendment, Senator Landy will get a full, clear and frank explanation as to why that is the case.