Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I have two brief questions. First, the Minister told us yesterday that he would continue to target expenditure and tax measures at those most able to bear the cost. People on an annual income of €15,000 are subject to this levy, although that sum is below the minimum wage. How can the Minister consider that category to be most able to bear the cost?

Second, given that the motion refers to expenditure measures, can the Minister advise us on the Government's policy strategy for job creation or retention? Does he have a plan or is it secret, too, like the rest of this economic package he claims to have? If the Minister wants advice on this, I have made several suggestions in the House on job creation and retention. Will the Minister put any funding into county enterprise boards? I would appreciate answers to those two matters. Even additional euro for enterprise and job creation would be appreciated.

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