Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I did not welcome the introduction of what is known as the Lenihan levy but I appreciate the statement made by the Taoiseach that this will not apply to those earning up to minimum wage. What numbers are excluded as a consequence and at what level will the minimum wage be next year? As a result of the changes, how does the Government propose to make up for the savings it had budgeted for when the levy applied to those on the minimum wage and will there be changes at the upper level?

In view of the rapidly deteriorating state of the public finances, is it the view of the Taoiseach that the public sector pay increases negotiated can be paid next year?

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