Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

It is not entirely the Minister's fault. His predecessors have also brought about a rapid deterioration in the competitiveness of the economy and difficulties in the costs for small businesses. Fine Gael will not support a measure that is simply a grab for cash without any reform. The measure will take more money out of consumers' pockets, particularly when an average of €2,000 will also be taken out of workers' pockets with today's 1% income levy.

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