Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

I refer to the pamphlet on budget 2010 produced by the Government. The first item under stimulus measures to create jobs and spur recovery is effectively the reduction in excise duties. I refer to the national retrofit programme, the VRT on motor vehicles, the scrappage scheme, forestry and getting credit flowing, which is only a sop and will not be properly implemented. To make a reduction in excise is the only stimulus measure to deal with job creation while cutting child benefit at the same time means that Fine Gael will be forced to oppose this resolution. It is very disappointing and the Government is doing nothing for getting the economy back to health. Half the general Government deficit is a result of unemployment and this has not been addressed.

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