Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Nuair a bhí an Teachta Rabbitte ag gearán nach raibh ach cúig nóiméad aige, cheap mise nach mbeadh nóiméad ar bith agam. Is dócha go bhfuil sé in ord mo chuid ama a roinnt leis an tAire nuair a thagann sé go dtí an Teach.

It is almost inevitable that most of the emphasis in this debate has been on the public finances and the impact thereon of the considerable drop in taxation receipts. It would be a great mistake if that were the only message to go out in respect of the state of the economy and of the position with regard to unemployment. It is extremely important to place alongside the issue of the public finances those relating to job retention and creation and competitiveness, which is something the Minister did very well.

I greatly regret that for reasons mainly beyond the control of Members of this House, as the debate has developed there has been a strong polarisation between workers in the private and public sectors. That is both hugely unhelpful and extremely damaging. The matter must be addressed immediately.

The Minister has been frequently urged to deal with the issue of taxation on income, particularly in respect of those employed in the private sector.

See this speech in context