David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While amendment No. 6 has already been discussed, I wish to restate my position. I acknowledge that in the discussion on poverty proofing, the Minister of State agreed with the principle of doing it. However, he might recall the last discussion by Members on the issue during a debate on the household charge. I believe Senator Norris also participated in that debate. At the time, Members considered the criteria that were set down in respect of the indicators of poverty, whereby people are deemed to be deprived if they lack two or more items that were set out. Although some of the items included incited some amusement, at the time it was a genuine attempt by the Combat Poverty Agency to try to establish the real indicators of poverty. I wish to restate the position. I believe that when Members make such decisions, they must make sure they are conscious of the impact of that decision on families who are struggling and in particular on families which are either in poverty already or above the poverty line. I understand the Minister of State has indicated the Government may consider how low-income families will be supported and so on in the context of this measure but Members again are being asked to take a leap of faith.

I do not know what, if any, supports will be put in place to help those who may be unable to pay. I do not know what, if any, supports will be put in place for low-income families or for those who are in receipt of social welfare payments. However, I do know there will be a charge, which will be in addition to the property tax and that many families simply will be unable to pay it. Whatever about the position in which ordinary families on middle incomes will find themselves, it is fair to state that many lower-middle income and low-income families will find this to be disproportionately tougher. I wish to restate that point as it is one of Sinn Féin's core arguments against the Bill. I again remind the Minister of State that if such poverty-proofing analysis has been carried out, such information might be provided to Members. When Members table such amendments in advance and if such analysis has been carried out, the Government could provide them with the methodology used to so do.