Mr. Brian Keegan:

I entirely concur that tax deferral is a valuable advantage. It is also an advantage that is conferred even in domestic situations where, for example, an additional tax allowance is given for energy efficient equipment. Effectively, one is getting the benefit of one's investment up front and therefore deferring an ultimate tax bill. I agree entirely that tax deferral is not an option which is available to the vast majority of citizens. I suppose that if everybody were ultimately to defer their tax the Exchequer would encounter significant difficulty. I agree with the Deputy that tax deferral is a very valuable benefit.