Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Naughten also mentioned that the banks and the Department of Social and Family Affairs do not treat people generously. We will continue to treat people generously. Deputy Naughten said that 5,000 farmers are still awaiting money to be paid to them. These cases involve accounts and applications with certain technical difficulties. They are resolved at the rate of 500 per week and will soon be concluded. The decision we took on the last budget means that people will have the opportunity to average the income over three years. The Revenue Commissioners will deal with it. People will continue to be treated fairly.

The Government consistently shows that it has the vision and the resolve to keep our country competitive and sustain the conditions that give us low taxes, low unemployment, low inflation and low interest rates. This Finance Bill continues the policies of a Government deeply conscious that in an increasingly prosperous Ireland, no boundaries should be placed on giving people the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of this prosperity.

I congratulate the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, on his budget and this Finance Bill, which continues a spectacularly successful approach to the governing of this country, by any yardstick. The Opposition might be in denial, but it is becoming increasingly clear that the Irish people are convinced that only the present Government has the capacity to marshal the economy and continue this success.

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