Allocation of Time: Motion.

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Ms Hanafin)

I move:

That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, the Financial Motions by the Minister for Finance shall be moved together and grouped for the purposes of debate as follows: the proceedings thereon, and any amendments thereto, shall be brought to a conclusion by one question which shall be put from the Chair in the case of each group not later than the times indicated as follows: group 1, Resolutions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, 45 minutes; group 2, Resolution No. 4, 30 minutes; group 3, Resolutions Nos. 5 to 9, inclusive, 60 minutes; and group 4, Resolution No. 10, 30 minutes.

Mr. Rabbitte

With regard to the excise motions in group 3, it is a pity the Minister was not amenable to breaking up this group. There are distinctly different arguments to be made for excise duty increases on tobacco, increasing the VRT on small cars or increasing tax on road diesel. They are distinct and different and the Minister is inviting this side of the House to vote against them despite the fact that different arguments can be made for different categories.

Mr. Durkan

I share the Deputy's observations. It would be a better and more focused debate if group 3 were broken up as suggested.

Mr. Sargent

This is an unacceptable grouping of different resolutions and taxation modules. If we are serious about using taxation to affect social behaviour to the benefit of society in general, rather than it simply being a means of grabbing revenue from people who are already finding it difficult enough to live, we need to deal with these resolutions individually. I object to the Government bundling them together.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

I have not seen this type of configuration presented to the House pre viously. To the best of my recollection financial resolutions dealing with excise were always taken individually. Grouping them in this manner will result in a mishmash debate that will not reflect the importance of each component part, particularly in group 3. I object to this proposal.

Ms Hanafin

The resolutions were grouped to ensure the debate and vote would apply to the income tax measures in group 1, stamp duty in group 2, the excise duties in group 3 and the VAT in group 4. That is the layout of the groups. However, if the Opposition is supportive of some of the measures, the Government would be delighted to facilitate debate on them. I am happy to propose that with regard to group 3, Resolutions 5, 6 and 7 should be taken together for 30 minutes—

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

The proposal regarding diesel is a stand alone item.

Ms Hanafin

I am happy to propose the following amendment: "That with regard to group 3, Resolutions 5 and 6 should be taken together for 30 minutes and Resolutions 7, 8 and 9 should be taken together for 30 minutes".