Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I know that, but Deputy Ó Caoláin has suggested that I should defer its implementation. That seems to suggest to me that he has not yet grasped the seriousness of the position in regard to the public finances or the fact we are not in a position to defer its implementation. It is being implemented. If any proposal comes up for discussion, I will look at it and act in good faith with regard to any tweaking or whatever is suggested. I made that point when the measure was introduced. However, I want to make it clear that the €1.4 billion we required is a requirement that has not gone away. In fact, the requirement for further funds has emerged and that is the reason we have a supplementary budget to consider for next week. If people suggest the possibility of tweaking, they must also understand that, from the Government's point of view, the overall financial position of the country and Government, in terms of the wider public sector pay bill, must also be addressed. We must not end up with a worse situation, without the imposition of the levy.

Deputy Barrett can table amendments if he wishes. We were in a position where we had to proceed with obtaining the €1.4 billion as we outlined. I am not aware that Fine Gael Members have been going around the country, saying they support the pension levy. If that is now their position and they just have a problem with some detail of it, that is fine, but that is not what I hear in my area.

See this speech in context