Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I fully appreciate what the Minister said ins an freagra a thug sé, go háirithe i dtaca leis an dóigh a bhreathnódh an t-Aire Comhshaol, Pobal and Rialtas Áitiúil ar an táille €100 agus a intinn a dhéanamh suas maidir leis an táille a árdú, ag déanamh tagairt don phraghasinnéacs tomhaltóirí, CPI.

We cannot accept the position of the Minister of State, unfortunately, and we will be pressing the amendment on the basis that subsection 3(3) states, "The Minister may from time to time review the sum specified [€100] in accordance with this section and, having regard to any change in the consumer price index". While it refers to "having regard to changes in the consumer price index", it does not mean the Minister must accept what is being said in this regard. We feel the charge should remain at €100 over the next 24 months and that, thereafter, the Government should make every effort to ensure a fairer system of taxation for those who can afford to pay after 2014.