Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

It is an interesting suggestion and an option for any Minister for Finance at any given time. I will come back on the question of the stimulus later.

The Deputy also raised the question with regard to the EU2020 strategy and whether Ireland will be putting forward targets. Under existing arrangements, Ireland and other member states publish and submit national reform programmes to the EU. These programmes set out structural aspects of the economy and outline the Government's objectives for various sectors as well as important issues, for example, those related to competitiveness and the labour market. These programmes specifically take account of the areas which have been identified as priorities under the EU2020 strategy.

I refer to the issues of boosting employment and PRSI. This matter is regularly raised with the Taoiseach during Leaders' Questions. The Deputy will be aware of the new scheme announced last weekend by the Taoiseach, which gives a PRSI exemption for new employees provided they have been on the live register for more than six months.

Deputy Burton raised some large and important issues. It is fair to say they are not directly related to the Bill but rather to the State's banking guarantee, the NAMA business plan and various other issues. I have noted the issues but they are too important for me to give a top-of-the-head reply. They are not directly related to the legislation but I am sure the Deputy will pursue these matters with the Minister for Finance and I will report the matters raised to him. However, I believe she deserves an authoritative response from him rather than me.

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