Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is ironic that section 80 is about the levy, and when we try to amend the section, we are not allowed to do that because we are told it would incur a cost to the Exchequer. I find this strange and it seems like a technicality to try to kick it to touch. The amendments are a genuine attempt to improve the legislation because we have said that we are very positive about this legislation. We believe the Minister may need to look once more at the levy. We wish to raise the concerns of people in the Bar Council in particular that the levy is a fair one and that it reflects the volume of complaints against barristers. They have also expressed concerns that the levy is too high and could negatively impact on many barristers who are at the earlier stage of their career or who are struggling financially with their practice. It might affect rural barristers also and those who may work in less lucrative practices. This is why we tabled our amendment. It is unfortunate that it has not been taken into consideration but perhaps the Minister might take on board the sentiment which we put forward and she might consider it for Report Stage. We may consider trying to amend on Report Stage in a way that might not incur a cost to the Exchequer.