David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 24:

In page 27, subsection (6)(a), line 14, after "its" to insert "net".

I will be brief. I do not want the Minister to accuse me of being pedantic but there is a value to including the word "net". This would indicate that the value of the assets would be a net market value rather than a gross market value. We argue that this would provide clarity in the legislation, ensuring the gross value was not taken into account.

Amendment No. 25 is: "In page 27, subsection (6)(a), line 15, to delete "irrespective of" and substitute "taking in to account"." The current wording means the assets that can be taken into account include properties regardless of any mortgages or charges upon the house. We do not agree with that; such things should be taken into account. For example, a house may be in negative equity and people may be struggling to pay for it. There is logic in this amendment and we look forward to the Minister's response. We will press amendment No. 24.