Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy asked about the legislation. On the publication of the Finance Bill next week, we will give legislative effect to the measures announced at the budget. The Government took specific measures on the health levy for those earning less than €400 per week and did not increase indirect taxation as a means of ensuring that competitive pressures are minimised to the greatest extent possible. Such measures including taking those on the minimum wage out of the tax net represent another effort by Government to assist employers in traditional industries to maintain employment levels despite the pressures they face.

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