Dispute arises over passing of Finance Bill

SEANAD REPORT: A DISPUTE has arisen over the passing of the Finance Bill, which is due to be signed into law by the President in the coming days.

Sections of the Bill were put individually to the House during the Committee Stage debate, which was being chaired by leas cathaoirleach Paddy Burke (FG).

Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea was deputising for Minister for Finance Brian Cowen.

Mr Burke put to the House each section for adoption or rejection.

Having asked if Section 76 was agreed, and having received assent from the Government side, he was immediately heard putting Section 78 to the House.

Section 77, which appeared to have been ignored, deals with penalties for excise offences.

Contacted later by The Irish Times, Mr Burke said he believed he had turned away from the microphone when putting forward Section 77.

However, there was no clear indication that the Government side of the House had agreed to the adoption of this section.

A problem appeared to arise as to whether the President could sign the Bill as it stood, or if it would have to be returned to the House for a definitive decision on the section.

A statement from Mr O'Dea said he had successfully steered the Bill through the House.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times