Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:41 pm on 11 October 2017.
Well, you’re quite right, it is important to get the positions of where we are with IT solution arguments between HMRC and other bodies and groups and organisations; it has to be vital. But I do think—indeed, they did tell us that they even didn’t think they’d get it done in time, and that’s the biggest problem. So we’ve got to get something between now and then.
Gareth Bennett, thank you for reporting on my foreword—I wish I hadn’t written it now, sometimes—but can I remind you, as a Chair of a committee, that I’m not political? That’s the intention of the committee. Committees reflect upon the issues and report to the Assembly. We are not voices of Government or any other party, we are voices of the Assembly. That’s the job, and that’s what we did. And you talk about not being political, and then spent a long time being exactly that, but there you are.
Neil, I will mention you, so you’ll have a mention from me as well. Thank you for saying that this is a fair and balanced report; we try to keep to that. And you’re right, there is a huge impact for Ireland as well—this could have a huge impact upon Ireland, so it is important that we address this issue and we work with Ireland to address this issue. But then you lost it and went off on a rant about the EU Commission not doing deals. Well, I’m sorry, you were going so well, but there you go.