I suppose it is understandable that a complex tax measure such as the household charge would have difficulties in its implementation, particularly in the early stages and also because of the pressure coming from outside the country to have such a charge. At the same time we understand money has to be raised, nobody is doubting that and we have to make ends meet. It is clear from Cyprus why this is necessary. If we do not do that, there will be general suffering. Behind the policy, the debate and the rhetoric there are real human issues of absolute despondency and depression to be considered. There are people who are being asked to pay money they do not have. So far as they are concerned their house is a means of keeping out the elements and providing some type of comfort for their families but it is no longer possible to heat the houses. Also it is not possible to properly feed their children. It is certainly not possible to meet many charges which are everyday charges. To receive a document in the post asking them to pay more is the last straw.

A debate after Easter on the taxation system might be worthwhile. Somebody who is unable to pay may be threatened with having the money taken from his or her social welfare or, worse still, perhaps being in the public eye through the legal system. It is not possible for those people to continue to survive, they cannot look after their family properly and they have no reason to get out of bed in the morning. If a short-term review was introduced for the household charge, it would be clear after six months what precisely is happening. If we continue going ahead willy-nilly, we will kill the spirit of a large number of people here who are not in a position to do what they would wish. They are not trying to avoid paying their due measure but they are not able to pay it. The issue will have to be reviewed in the near future.

I second the amendment proposed by Senator Marc MacSharry to the Order of Business.