Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Will there be a revision of the programme for Government? As I understand it, the programme for Government was based on the assumption of an economic growth rate of 4.5% per annum over the life of the Government, which will clearly not be achieved. Will there be a revision of the specifics in the programme for Government?

I wish to ask about two specific points. The first is the commitment by the Government, and Fianna Fáil in particular, to reduce the top rate of tax by 1%, the lower rate of tax by 2%, and to cut employee PRSI contributions by 2%. Is the Taoiseach proceeding with that or is it still in the programme for Government or to be believed?

There is also a commitment in the programme for Government to cut the VAT rates on certain environmental goods and services from 21% to 13.5%. Is it still intended to proceed with that?

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