Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am sorry but again I must point out that the VAT intake has been reduced, so I do not know where he is getting the idea that the Exchequer has seen an increase. Overall economic activity has decreased because of the higher oil price, therefore the Exchequer take on VAT has decreased as well. That issue was raised by a Fine Gael spokesperson in a press statement last week.

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