Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I welcome Ms Quinn to Ireland. Before putting my question to the Taoiseach, I wish to say that my thoughts this morning are with the families of the four young women who died last night and with all the victims of last nights horrific car crash on the Mayo-Galway border, go ndéana Dia trócaire orthu.

I listened carefully to the debate yesterday evening on the pre-budget position. It is obvious there is a fundamental difference between Government and Opposition parties in the approach to the forthcoming budget. It appears, given the scale of the financial disaster facing us, that the Government is consumed with book-keeping and cutback measures. Having travelled the country extensively, the clear message from businesses who continue to pay wages and struggle to remain in existence in competitive circumstances is that they want a break and assistance, where possible, to allow them continue with their commitment to keep our economy moving.

In the run-in to yesterday's debate, Minister after Minister stated that they would listen constructively to and take on board suggestions from Opposition parties. My comments this morning are in that light. The Fine Gael Party, having met directly with more than 1,200 to 1,500 business people yesterday put forward, through its spokesperson on finance, Deputy Bruton, the proposition to introduce a tax cut on employment. This tax cut would be funded in the manner outlined, namely, €900 million by way of a 20% cut at the lower rate and a 50% cut at the higher rate, which would affect 175,000 businesses and 1.7 million employees.

The Taoiseach has repeatedly stated, as is his right, that he will do things his way, an approach which, it has been confirmed by Ministers, will result in the loss of a further 72,000 jobs next year. Fine Gael's constructive suggestion is made in the interests of easing the crushing burden on employers, of making it easier for employers to retain employees and of ensuring those on the minimum wage and in receipt of low income remain outside the PRSI net. The proposal has been costed. In the spirit of what Ministers have been saying for the past three weeks, will the Taoiseach accept this proposal and implement it in the budget on 9 December?

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