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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Property tax Bill guillotine

Summary

Darragh O’Brien opposes the proposed Order of Business and guillotine for the property tax Bill; exchanges follow over party criticism and the previous debate on carers.

That is not as circulated earlier in the week. We have a number of amendments on the property tax Bill, which, as I said on Second Stage yesterday, is an anti-Dublin and anti-urban Bill. I have outlined to the House my view and that of my party that we oppose the Bill. Unfortunately, I will have to oppose the Order of Business on the basis that the Leader is proposing to use the guillotine.

I remind Members that we go back to the Social Welfare Bill today. It was in one respect good to see a lively, informed debate yesterday. I respect everyone's views in this debate and, while I do not agree with them, I would not question anyone's bona fides in regard to their contributions. I was concerned that some Members were questioning why other members of my party and I, as well as members of the Opposition, were raising concerns about the carer's grant cut. It is a genuinely held belief. We disagree with it completely. They do not have to agree with our position but what I will not accept is Members in this House questioning why we would actually oppose this cut, and also stating, as a Member did yesterday, that we are using the carers and those people who need care for political purposes. I reject that charge outright. I respect what Members on the Government side say, although I do not always agree with it, but I never call into question why they raise those issues or why they have a certain stance. I would take people at face value, although maybe I am naive to do so.

We will go back to section 5, on the respite care grant, today. The Seanad yesterday showed - I hope it showed people outside - that it has a real purpose. There is a chance again today to send back to the Dáil a flawed Bill, particularly section 5 and particularly the 20% cut to the carers. I ask Members to have a think, on the last day before we break for Christmas, as to what type of Christmas present a 20% cut to the respite care grant will be to the carers. We will debate that on the Social Welfare Bill. Unfortunately, I will have to oppose the Order of Business on the basis the Leader is bringing in the guillotine on the family home tax Bill.

Comment on this

As one of those who made that accusation against Fianna Fáil yesterday in regard to the carers, I would like them to tell me how many of them protested with the carers when, in the Fianna Fáil budget of 2010, they cut the carer's grant by €16.50. I will leave it at that.

Comment on this

Incidentally, I do not agree with Senator Darragh O'Brien that he has not called into question the motivation of members of the Labour Party.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

This is questions to the Leader.

Comment on this

If anything has been absolutely clear, it has been the consistent accusations from Fianna Fáil about the motivations and bona fides of members of the Labour Party.

Comment on this

It is about their decisions.

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