Peter Kelly (Longford-Roscommon, Fianna Fail)

One can visit rural areas of Longford where people did not think they would see development. People who had to emigrate in the 1950s and 1960s are now returning and are proud of the progress made in their absence.

We welcome people who came to Longford as a result of the rural tax scheme. The many new businesses and families are more than welcome. We are delighted to see the end of derelict sites and the difference development makes. I am at one with the people of my constituency, who want clean, new, environmentally friendly buildings rather than derelict sites. This has been the result of the scheme.

We have a major asset in the River Shannon, which needed to be improved. I listened to Opposition speeches on tourism, an industry that does well in Longford, with natural resources and people. The scheme helped to promote tourism, which was needed. Apart from the rural tax scheme, the greatest asset is the friendliness of our people — Longford is the friendliest county in Ireland.

This Bill will give effect to measures announced in the budget. We must support sustained economic growth and promote improved quality and opportunity for all. This requires the development of a knowledge-based Irish economy, supported by sound fiscal policies that deliver value for money to the taxpayer. The Government has radically restructured the tax system in the past eight years. The challenge is to implement policies that support growth and employment and that are seen as fair and equitable. Previous budgets have worked towards that and if the Opposition think this budget is good, it should hear the next budget.

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