Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Many companies that are now struggling expected to see reforms that would ease the tax burden. The Minister himself said that it was a mistake to raise VAT, yet when it comes to dealing with some of these things there is a deafening silence. Surely there was an opportunity to look at some areas where taxes could be reduced, as well as areas where they could be increased. The airport tax is telling visitors that we do not want them to come here, although the tourism industry is on its knees. The low VAT rate is focused on home holidays and home improvements. Surely there was an opportunity to give a boost to tourism and other such labour intensive activities. Surely the Border countries, which are under pressure from the VAT increase, deserved some consideration in this budget at a time when the Government is trying to protect employment.

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