Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Betting tax is currently 1%, collection of which falls on the bookmaker. That will remain the case when it increases to 2%. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked about the amalgam on the effect of the consumer price index. It is 0.7% but the overall budgetary framework is 0.6%, which is on the basis of a projection of inflation of 2.5% next year. This also includes mortgages.

The reduced excise duty of 50% for low alcohol beer and cider, for beverages with a volume of 2.8%, is to encourage people to move to these products. This is what the industry wanted and I am sure it will be accepted.

See this speech in context