As the committee is aware, the Finance Bill implements on an annual basis a range of measures translating into legislative form the proposals announced in the budget and introduces a number of changes to the overall tax code. Of the Bills passed by the Oireachtas the Finance Bill is the most significant and diverse, covering as it does income tax, corporation tax, customs and excise, VAT, capital and other taxes.
As the provisions of this year's Bill are particularly wide-ranging, I do not propose to go into details, especially since each Member will have his or her own view on the most important issues. The committee will have the opportunity to address these issues as we come to them.
Because of the length of the Bill, incorporating 147 sections and six Schedules, not to mention the 251 amendments tabled, it is not possible to discuss each section separately on Committee Stage. Our normal practice is to split the Bill into blocks and the committee will deal with the Bill in this way again this year, in accordance with the timetable set out in the Order of the Dáil dated 28 April, a copy of which is before the committee. The timetable was agreed by the Whips with input from Opposition spokespersons.
Last year was the first time the Finance Bill was discussed by this select committee and I think everyone who took part agreed it afforded an opportunity for comprehensive and valuable debate. It is hoped the committee's consideration of this year's Bill will be just as valuable.
Prior to consideration of Committee Stage of the Bill, it should be noted that in addition to the Minister for Finance, the following Deputies have tabled amendments; Deputy Yates, Deputy Michael McDowell, Deputy Rabbitte and Deputy O'Malley. The context of the amendments can be found in the list of amendments circulated this morning.
Appointment of Temporary Chairmen: Motion.
