Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I thought I had opened a can of worms with the debate around my contribution. I wish to set out very clearly that we are not against anyone who earns more than €65,000 earning a cent above that. I will not make that argument as it is not the point.

The rationale for the amendments is that we should start at the beginning and totally restore income for those who earn under the €65,000 threshold. That would be a good, equitable way to proceed given that this legislation only partially restores the income for those who earn under €65,000. Those on incomes over €65,000 receive the full restoration whether it be over two or three stages. That was the rationale for the amendment. It is not against those who earn over €65,000 getting income restoration but the restoration should start with those who are below €65,000. I want this to be clear on the record.