Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Surely the Government cannot think it will be easier. Does it not realise that the longer it is postponed, the greater the cost of borrowing? It now emerges that even the €2 billion is not being saved. The Government may not have taken into account the deflationary effect but it certainly did not take into account the fact of the tax relief which is not a full tax relief. It is stated in today's newspapers that the take will only be €0.75 billion. The Government huffed and puffed and brought forth a mouse in the end, as Deputy Kenny said, and it will be back to us within a couple of months looking for more money.

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