Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When Senator Quinn speaks on issues related to business he has to be taken extremely seriously because he created thousands of jobs in this country over many years. That said, I do not necessarily agree with his position on a third person. I believe it should be cost-neutral and should not end up being a negative cost to an employer if he or she has to deduct at source.

This Bill aims to prevent 8,000 people having to go through the revolving doors of Mountjoy and other prisons. It would be the lesser of two evils. There is perhaps scope to refine it and to include assurances to businesses and people that it will not impose a cost and unnecessary red tape. Perhaps some refinement of the sections that would go some of the way towards alleviating Senator Quinn’s concerns. I do not share his views on the principle but it should be cost-neutral and without red tape, as much as possible. We have some breathing space between now and Report Stage so the Department, the Minister and his officials might consider including some assurances that it would at least be cost-neutral.