Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

People recognise the scale of the economic problems we face and they are willing to contribute. The Taoiseach will understand this because he has met many people from around the country. They are saying they will contribute their share on two conditions: first, that the contribution will actually go towards sorting out the problem; and second, that it is seen to be fair.

Patently, the social partnership and trade unions in particular consider the pension levy to be unfair. They have made the point that dealing with it in isolation does not bring the sense of fairness about which they speak. As a consequence, social injustice is perceived to exist. Clearly there are opportunities for others who are not caught in this situation to make contributions.

Does the Taoiseach believe that the pension levy passed by the Government is fair? Does he intend to reconsider it in the context of the budget which will be announced in early April in order to deal with the perception of unfairness which exists among so many people? Perhaps he will comment on whether the question of unfairness as a consequence of the pension levy will be addressed in his proposals to the House on the new budget. I do not know whether ICTU members will decide to take to the streets but if the Taoiseach deals with the perception of unfairness or states his intention of doing so he might prevent a lot of activity on the streets at the end of the month. Does he feel that the pension levy is fair and does he intend to use the budget to be announced in April to address the outrage that has arisen due to the perception that it is unfair?

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