Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Gilmore decries all the methods of raising tax revenue. I do not believe it is the view of the Labour Party that we should cut expenditure further — I do not think that is its position. I have heard what Deputy Gilmore had to say in regard to some tax expenditures. We will debate those in the House and assess their impact, and at least we can have a debate that might make sense. However, the debate I am trying to have with the Opposition here does not make any sense because it is €5 billion out before it starts.

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