Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move recommendation No. 13:

In page 88, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following:“86. The Minister for Finance shall—

(a) within six months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas an equality statement to examine how the measures contained in the Finance Act 2017impact upon equality in Ireland, and

(b) ensure that Budget 2019 is accompanied by an equality statement.”.

I would like to bring this recommendation back in on Report Stage because I would like to examine it further. I acknowledge that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has done very positive work in respect of equality budgeting and in respect of the staff paper on equality budgeting. I will bring it back on Report Stage when we might have a chance to discuss it. I acknowledge the very positive paper from the Department in this regard. Recommendation No. 13 is a very specific recommendation on the role of the equality statement within that. I would prefer to discuss it on Report Stage.