Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I am disappointed that the Minister did not answer my question about where the savings would come from. Has there been a fresh Government decision overturning the proposal set out in table 6 of the April budget that in the next two years it would earn €4.6 billion in extra taxes, €2.5 billion of which was to come in next year? Has the Minister rescinded that proposal? He has said frequently that €4 billion must be found and none of that will come from taxation. Is that a Government decision or is it different people interpreting their individual thoughts? Does the Government still intend to reduce capital spending by €750 million next year and by €1 billion the following year? Such a move would severely undermine investment at a time when investment value can be obtained in the marketplace.

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