Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

When we were talking about tweaking the pension levy I presume the Taoiseach's criticism was not intended for this side of the House. He may not be aware that an amendment was tabled by the Fine Gael Party through Deputy Bruton, on which I spoke, seeking to tweak the pension levy in favour of the lower paid and that the loss of revenue would be made up by increasing the top rate by a small amount.

The criticism that has been levied about people putting forward proposals, taking away money that he is trying to raise, is unfair. It begs the question as to the role of an Opposition in a democracy — when people cannot accept good amendments, meant in good faith and tabled in response to a Government proposal, which it now appears the Government is prepared to discuss with bodies outside this House.

See this speech in context