Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the representatives from IBEC. I attended with Deputy Calleary and others a meeting in Galway a couple of weeks ago at which we went through a number of the points under discussion today. Does IBEC have a concern about the earlier timing of the budget given that November is the key tax month to plan for things? Is there a concern about a possible impact on the validity of the budget figures? It has been noted repeatedly that people have significant savings and that there are issues of confidence. Despite the deficit narrowing and the assurances which have been made, is the departure of the troika what is ultimately required as the trigger for spending?

At the meeting in Galway, a number of issues of concern were raised, including health costs. Concern was also expressed on the ease of obtaining sick certificates and about litigation costs which multinationals must report back to the USA. Are those representative of people's concerns? The witnesses referred to reductions in corporate tax rates and better incentives in the UK. Mr. O'Brien mentioned the impact of uncertainty on the UK into the future. Is there scope in the period of uncertainty for us to regain some ground, emphasise what we have here and improve it? There is concern that multinationals might suddenly depart from the EU.