John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

Like the previous speaker, I welcome the Finance Bill 2007. I compliment the Minister, Deputy Cowen, on the content of last December's budget and the positive Bill that is being debated by the House today. The budget and the Finance Bill demonstrate that the prudent approach of the Minister and the Government to the management of the economy is working. The effective policies which are being rolled out are benefiting the people of this country in real economic terms.

I listened to an Opposition speaker, Deputy Kehoe, say that nothing is being done for County Wexford. Deputy Ring made a similar point about his local area. In the south east, there has been an impressive increase in economic activity in all business sectors, such as the construction industry. If we are to assist home-grown businesses in the south east, which employ a significant number of people, we need to accelerate the rate of expenditure on the construction of new roads etc., in that region. A number of major projects have been delayed even though the money that needs to be invested is available. The National Roads Authority and the relevant local authorities need to ensure that all impediments are removed from the system, so that the necessary investment can be rolled out at a rapid pace. When developing such projects, we should bear in mind the need to achieve value for money and to ensure they facilitate the economic development of the south east.

It is no harm to mention the need for the development of a university in the south east. I hope the current analysis of Waterford Institute of Technology will lead to it being given university status. Those undertaking the analysis should look favourably on the development of a faculty in Kilkenny, which is synonymous with design. It is important for Kilkenny to have a third level facility that can deliver real courses which benefit the economy.

The creation of wealth in this country gives us an opportunity to assist those who are less well-off. We will be judged on our achievements in treating that sector of society. I refer to the care of the elderly, for example. Increased investment in social welfare schemes, health and education is made possible by the collection of so much taxation. We are directing those moneys in a focused manner at all areas which need support. We are financing schemes to help people to get back into full-time employment and education, for example. Such schemes help people to improve their lives and enjoy a better quality of life.

I would like to respond to what Deputy Paul McGrath said about the level of receipts from value added tax, as opposed to general taxation. People have substantially more money to spend because they are taking more money home. They can decide how to spend that money. The overall VAT take, which was mentioned by the Deputy, is increasing because more quality of life items, such as cars, televisions and various products for the home, are being purchased. This country's increased economic activity is helping people to enjoy a better quality of life. People are using their additional funds to enhance their quality of life by doing things they see as important, such as making improvements to their homes. It is a sign of the greatness of our economy that such purchases are generating taxes like VAT and stamp duty, which are redistributed as the Government has done over the last ten years. I accept the Government needs to make adjustments and provide for additional allocations in certain areas. It is a work in progress. If one understands what is happening in the economy, one can make certain changes each year in the budget and the Finance Bill. It is hugely important that the Government has the common sense to address these issues as they arise. This country's economic development has attracted some significant outside investors who are increasing the country's profile and adding to the market.

It is important to highlight the economic value of indigenous businesses. I support the position being taken by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in response to ICTU's comments about the business expansion schemes. The schemes, which have created almost 800,000 jobs, were established to support the development of an enterprise culture in this country and are hugely beneficial to our economy. The Minister, Deputy Martin, has invited ICTU to discuss its concerns with him. I am surprised that ICTU has made a complaint to the EU. I hope it will reconsider its approach and withdraw the complaint so that the schemes, which are of great importance to the economy, can be implemented.

I urge the Ministers for Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment to examine the role of the county enterprise boards, which are of significant importance. The boards should be given sufficient front-loaded funds so they can help to develop a thriving local economy. Such an economy could be built on innovation in the area of information technology, for example. We need to ensure that investment is made in jobs at local level. The indigenous sector is very important. Many of the budgetary decisions which have been taken in this Bill will assist local businesses to develop.

It might not be any harm for the Minister to consider the possibility of developing the railway lines. Such lines could be built beside the main roads that are being constructed at present. That would ensure there is connectivity by rail throughout the country. To achieve this, some type of governmental investment vehicle could be created, such as was created for the SSIAs, so ordinary people could invest their money to generate a return in the context of rolling out a 21st century railway system that would connect everywhere in the country and, at the same time, would deliver financial benefits to those who invest in it.

I wish to draw the Minister's attention to another matter. A constituent wrote to me asking that the Minister extend the capital allowance regime to include the 112 registered caravan and camping parks in Ireland. Sam Harper of Nore Valley Park has made a strong case for this. In recent years capital allowances were extended to include hotels, guest houses, holiday hostels and holiday camps. For some reason the sector Mr. Harper represents was omitted. The argument has been made in a genuine fashion and has merit. I ask the Minister to ensure that, in view of the case made by Sam Harper, this sector is included by means of an amendment to the Finance Bill.

The section which deals with stamp duty on sports clubs and recognised sporting organisations states the changes will come into effect when the Bill is passed. Presumably, the Bill will be passed in March or early April. There is a case for putting forward an amendment to provide that the change should apply from the date of publication of the Bill, as is the case with other aspects of the Bill. Recognised sporting organisations, therefore, could benefit from the adjustment in stamp duty. This is most important and I ask the Minister to ensure the amendment is brought forward on Committee Stage.

In previous years I have made the case for the Comerama workers. It is a legitimate case and it should be made. I have availed of the debate on each Finance Bill to do this. A cynical exercise has been undertaken by some Members of the Opposition whereby they have brought this matter to the attention of the Committee of Public Accounts.

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