Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I acknowledge that in relative terms, our unemployment levels are low and that much investment comes into Ireland. However, when reputable organisations such as the OECD or Ernst & Young which monitor such matters suggest we must consider the challenges ahead very carefully, I certainly will not make any apologies for bringing them to the Minister's attention. Equally however, I expect him to have a plan as to how such challenges will be dealt with and he does not have one. He believes everything is fine and that one can assess variations from any report in a positive or negative light, which I also understand.

In respect of tax, the only time when there was an overall tax reduction for workers and labour costs was when Deputy Quinn, my friend and colleague, held office as Minister for Finance between 1994 and 1997. This was the only time when Ireland experienced a tax reduction for people as a percentage of GNP. While the Minister might suggest otherwise, when one considers the figures for the past 15 to 20 years, this is a fact .

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