Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We increased the rate last year between 3% and 3.8% at a time when we expected inflation to be 2.5%. It is not a question of percentages in this respect. The real issue is that we have an unsustainable public finance position. If we are to protect the most vulnerable in society, as we must and seek to do, we must do so in a way that provides a sustainable way forward.

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