Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

There is no proposal before us to do anything other than produce more reports. With regard to the proposal in paragraph (e), we are only weeks away from having a report completed and published. With regard to the proposals in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d), a much more comprehensive look at the whole PRSI regime is being undertaken at present. It is not true to say we find excuses not to hit the better off. We raised many taxes in the last few years which were imposed on the day.

I am anxious to look at the whole PRSI issue. We have 36 different rates of PRSI. It could be simpler. I like the direction the Deputy is suggesting we take. We should make it simple and all encompassing. This would allow for a low rate and mirror what the Minister for Finance said. Given that entitlements are attached to PRSI, it is not a simple matter of bringing something in on the hoof. However, this matter is already in train and the objective is to deal with it in 2011.

With regard to the insurance companies matter in paragraph (a), a number of complexities are involved and I will begin the consultation process shortly. It would not be possible to move on that without a full consultation process.

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