Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Yesterday, a document, which had been refused consistently to the Leaders of the Opposition all day in this House, was leaked to the press. This was at a time when Members were given the impression that the Oireachtas was being asked to play a role in framing a strategy to recover from the great economic problems we face. Instead, Members were treated to a scoffing performance by the Taoiseach and his Ministers. The manner in which this House is being treated does little to the credit of politics at this time of crisis. In respect of this document, does the Tánaiste still rule out any tax increases in 2009? Is that the categoric position? That was the position stated by the Minister for Finance——

See this speech in context