Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

The Labour Party's approach was very clear. We suggested that the tax shelters, particularly the property-based tax reliefs which have cost this country so much, be closed this year. That would have allowed a slight easing in terms of people at the lower income level or people on social welfare. We also suggested that the pension reliefs, 80% of which are targeted at the top 20% of earners, should be drawn back. We proposed taking a leaf out of the Conservative Party's book in England and reducing the size of the pension pots and the draw downs. The Taoiseach has done a little of that but this yellow document before the House tonight containing the resolutions is actually a mini-finance Bill. For the first time ever, there will be only a couple of hours discussion on the finance Bill at the most.

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