Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

We know the money will come from that source when we see next year's receipts.

The Government speaks about helping small businesses and my party has been promoting this agenda for several years. Several measures proposed today may see the light of day. I have to put in a qualification as we have seen many recent budget speeches where the Minister for Finance has announced initiatives that have yet to or will never see the light of day. It should be of some help if these measures are followed through, and they are necessary.

Our economy is far too dependent on the construction sector and our national wealth is far too dependent on the ownership of property and capital. We need small businesses to be vital. The reality is that in areas such as research and development we are far below the levels we need to be at. These measures should be welcomed if they help.

The Minister spoke about protecting the environment. If this was meant to be a seduction of the Green Party by the Minister for Finance, he should brush up on his seduction techniques. The environmental measures do not even pass as a green-wash. In my house we are considering repainting one of the rooms and exposing ourselves to the many colour charts one looks at when choosing a paint. There are many different versions of colours. Apparently one can get emerald green, pea green or olive green, none of which apply to this Government.

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