Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept that the appeals system is independent. However, such systems must address the problems which exist. Those who need this payment should be in a position to obtain it. There is no question about that.

Senator Moloney also requested that we engage in a debate on the mobility allowance - without a Minister being present - and that the House make a submission to the relevant working group. In that context, I wish to propose an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that we should deal with this matter at 6 p.m. following the debate on the Finance Bill. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the debate on the matter in question or make a submission in respect of it may do so at 6 p.m. I also propose that the debate conclude at 7 p.m.

Senator Mullen referred to unpaid development levies to local authorities. There was certainly a lack of enforcement in the context of the collection of such levies. As such, there was an element of light touch regulation on the part of local authorities. The levies should have been collected when they were due but this did not happen. The Senator raised a particular question with regard to Wicklow County Council and I believe I provided him with a response in that regard. I will endeavour to encourage the Minister to come before the House in order that we might address the problem to which Senator Mullen refers. Local authorities should have been more proactive in collecting the relevant levies before developments took place. However, like others within the system, they rolled along thinking that the property boom was going to continue forever. Each and every member of society knows the cost of such thinking.

Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to the Criminal Assets Bureau and the raids it carried out on 20 premises where suspected fuel laundering was taking place. I join others in congratulating all involved in those raids and I compliment them on their success. I also compliment the Senators who have continually raised this matter in the House. I understand prosecutions may be pending but I will certainly invite the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, to come before the House to provide an update if at all possible.

Senator Wilson inquired about the payment of the household charge through post offices and asked if an additional fee would apply in this regard. I am not aware of such a fee but I will try to discover what is the actual position.