Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

In addition, I expect the Commission on Taxation to have finished its deliberations by early autumn.

I should also add that any future decisions that will be made will continue to be informed by the framework for sustainable economic renewal published in December, which provides a road map for meeting the short-term challenges and positioning the economy in order that Ireland can benefit when the international environment begins to improve. We will achieve this by building on our strengths in innovation and research and development, by addressing the huge market for environmental and energy-related products, services and innovation, investing in critical infrastructure and supporting employment-intensive activity in the short term, as well as reforming government to ensure we have a more efficient and effective public service.

The Government already has taken action in this regard through adjustments to the research and development tax credit to increase Ireland's attractiveness as a location for this activity, which were included in budget 2009. It will continue to protect jobs and offer support to those losing theirs. It will, to the greatest extent possible, continue to provide an ongoing stimulus to the economy through its capital investment in roads, public transport, schools and housing to support future development and to enhance Ireland's productive capacity at this time of great need.

It is of vital importance to continue to take all steps necessary to get the banking system fully operating again. Crucial to our recovery will be a fully functioning and well regulated financial system that enjoys confidence and credibility inside and outside of the country. The essential measures the Government has taken most recently with the recapitalisation of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland are targeted at underscoring the stability of the sector and restoring credit flows that are critical to the effective functioning and performance of the real economy.

See this speech in context