Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

It is fair comment, if one looks back over the past number of years, that the Department's figures have been way off target. If that occurred in the normal business world questions would be asked.

On the same theme, how many new staff with specific master's degrees in economics, accountancy or tax specialties has the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, taken on since he came into office? Does the Department have the requisite skills within it to deal with the current financial crisis? It is fair comment that last year we received no tax revenue targets until April. This year we are running significantly behind.

See this speech in context