Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister agree that the two VAT increases he implemented in 2002 have added approximately €714 million to his revenue, equivalent to approximately €500 per family? Does he further agree that the cost increases I outlined have added approximately €3,000 in extra costs for a consumer or family affected by them? Therefore, the Minister's suggestion that these are insignificant in terms of a family's spending is unrealistic. The implication of Government pricing decisions amounts to €3,500 extra for many families.

See this speech in context