Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

The Senator referred to Sinn Féin's pre-budget submission, which I read with interest as I did last year. I was taken by what I thought was a reasonable view of the wealth tax situation. We are all aware of people who have assets worth hundreds of thousands of euro who would also fail this test. People might live in fantastic old houses but cannot light a fire or go out for any entertainment. The list is quite arbitrary.

I thank the Senator for bringing forward the concept. I debated the application of the poverty index with him when I was on the other side of the House. I do not think we will reach agreement on it. It is a worthy debate but we must aspire to try to rid the country of poverty by regenerating economic activity and getting people back to work. That is the only real insurance against poverty.