Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has already answered the question of Senator Norris about what the rush was. He has explained the work that must be done with the Revenue in preparation.

I realise the Minister does not schedule the business here but, unfortunately, there will be a guillotine at 5:30 p.m. There are several well thought out amendments on each section which we will not get to at this stage. We have tried to consider the issues as individual Senators, particularly those of us who oppose the imposition of a property tax at this time. Having said that and knowing the reality that the Bill will come through, we are considering some suggestions. I am grateful for and I am pleased to hear the Minister's openness to accepting suggestions. On Second Stage yesterday I commended the Minister on the basis of his willingness to move forward with an exemption for those affected by pyrite. I have tabled an amendment to section 11, amendment No. 25. However, I can see no way that we will get to it at this stage. Work is ongoing in this area but how will that exemption be framed? Is there a mechanism for I and others who are involved in the pyrite groups? My area in north Dublin is particularly badly hit. Is there a way for me to submit to the Department suggestions on how any exemptions should apply? It will be difficult. I will finish on this point and I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence. Many people cannot afford to get the pyrite test. A pyrite test costs in the region of ¤2,000. The material must be sent to England for a proper test to be carried out. We know there is pyrite in certain estates but will the Department of Finance seek independent, verifiable test results that a given house in a given estate in north Dublin has been affected? Will the Department then take the view that consequentially the entire estate is affected, or will it deal on the basis of the pyrite report of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, and take the view that the report should determine the group of estates affected? In the interim, how can we make submissions on this matter in advance of the finance Bill? My concern generally with the finance Bill is that there are time constraints. There were 88 amendments tabled for this Bill and it was put through the Dáil in three hours. The same applies in the Seanad. I would appreciate even a quick clarification on that point because I do not believe we will get to section 11 at this stage.