Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)

In his opening remarks, the Minister said that increased costs would result in reduced economic activity. That is not borne out by yesterday's returns. The Government has taken €1 billion more in taxes than it anticipated. If the Minister is saying that people are spending less because of additional fuel costs, that is not borne out by the returns and does not stand up. We have lost market share in terms of our exports over the past two years. There has not been the same level of growth. Market share is important to us.

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