In the time available my Department has supplied me with the information set out as follows.
Credit Union and Co-operation with Overseas Regulators Act 2012
One hundred and seventy four Government amendments were accepted at Committee Stage in the Seanad and another six were accepted at Report Stage in the Seanad. A wide range of issues were raised by members in both Houses in the course of the debate and many non-Government suggestions were taken on board which were ultimately made by way of Government amendments.
Fiscal Responsibility Act 2012
There were no Government amendments in the Seanad. There were 21 amendments at committee stage by senator, none of which were accepted.
Financial Stability and Reform Private Member’s Bill 2013
This Bill was put forward by Senator Barrett earlier this year the Government did not oppose the Bill and it remains on the Order Paper. The Department of Finance maintain contact with Senator Barrett and his team on matters relating to that Bill.
Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012
Senator Jillian van Turnhout proposed an amendment to the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012, the intention of which was to exempt residential properties owned by charities and used solely in connection with recreational activities carried out as the purpose of the charity (for example, hostels owned by the Boy Scouts or Girl Guides used for weekends away). The Government did not accept the Senator’s amendment as drafted but they accepted the spirit of the proposal and provided for this exemption in section 2(c) of the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2013. Senators Ó Clochartaigh, Cullinane and Reilly proposed an amendment to the 2012 Act to provide a reduction in the value of the property for LPT purposes for any adaptations made for disabled persons. Although this amendment was not accepted, a similar provision was included in the section 6 of the 2013 Act.