Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)

I move recommendation No. 1:

In page 11, before section 2, but in Chapter 1, to insert the following new section:

"2.—The Minister shall within six months from the passing of this Act prepare and lay before Dáil Éireann a report detailing the financial impact of all measures contained in this Act on the general population by income group broken down by decile including all categories of earners including PAYE, self-employed and social welfare recipients and by household income type broken down by decile based on gross household income.".

There is a precedent to accept this recommendation as a similar proposal tabled by the Minister for Social Protection when an Opposition Deputy several years ago was accepted by the then Government. This recommendation is very much word for word her proposal which seeks a report detailing the financial impact of all measures contained in this Bill on the general population by income group broken down by decile, including all categories of earners including PAYE, self-employed and social welfare recipients and by household income type broken down by decile based on gross household income.

The Opposition does need such information that is held by the Department. It is important we can examine the impact of the measures introduced in the Finance Bill, evaluate them and, if necessary, amend them. Only yesterday, the Acting Chairman, Senator Bradford, spoke about how analysing budgetary measures needs to begin earlier, say in September. I do not believe the Acting Chairman believed I would use his comments today but I was so inspired by them.