Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

The two principal budgetary aims of promoting enterprise and rewarding work are welcome as is the €300 million package for small business research and development. A number of measures have been identified as priorities by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Minister of State and the small business forum. Delivering on these will foster the growth of wealth creating enterprises, of central importance to Ireland's long-term success.

I welcome the €15 billion social welfare package, the priority to help those on low incomes, and honouring the Government commitment on State pensions. Over 1 million social welfare recipients will receive a substantial increase——

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