Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I did not hear that. Deputy Higgins can contribute in a minute — I am sure his comment was a good one.

I am glad to say the average industrial wage has increased by €14,500 since that period. The amount of tax people are paying, even in spite of this increase, is €400 less than when Deputy Quinn was collecting tax as Minister for Finance in the Rainbow Government.

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