Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, tabled by Senators Reilly, Cullinane and Ó Clochartaigh are in conflict with the principle of the Bill and must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 124. The purpose of the Bill is to give legislative effect to key provisions of the stability treaty already ratified by the State relating to fiscal policy rules, a budgetary rule, a debt rule and a correction mechanism if there is a significant deviation from the budgetary rule. This requirement is binding and mandatory on the State and a consequence of the ratification of the treaty.

Amendments Nos. 1 and 2, in the names of Senators Reilly, Cullinane and Ó Clochartaigh, propose to modify the obligations under section 2 and to comply with the fiscal policy rules by deleting ?shall endeavour? and substitute ?may decide? to secure the fiscal rules ?so long as doing so is conducive to the social and economic development of the State?. Amendment No. 3 proposes to modify the obligation under section 4 to comply with the debt rule requirement by providing that the debt rule will be complied with ?so long as doing so is conducive to the social and economic development of the State?. Amendment No. 4 proposes to modify the obligation under section 6 to put in place a correction mechanism by proposing that a Government may put in place a corrective measure.

These amendments are in conflict with the principle of the Bill as agreed on Second Stage and, accordingly, must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 124.