Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)

Some of the older pensioners, who did not benefit from the experience of the Celtic tiger years, some of whom may be infirm or suffering from poor health, now have the security of a pension that is protected, and I am proud of that. Particularly in the years ahead, we must ensure that they have that pension.

The economic stimuli in this budget are components which the Green Party, as a pro-enterprise party, is pleased to see in it. There is continuation of the corporation tax exemptions for start-up companies, incentives for the green economy - continuation of the accelerated capital allowance for energy efficient equipment, sustained funding for forestry, which, as I come from a rural constituency, I am aware is important for our farmers to tap into as a means of securing more revenue, and increased investment in home insulation grants – improvements to the business expansion scheme soon to be called the employment investment incentive, and significant capital spending in important areas like public transport and water services infrastructure. We in the Green Party recognise the importance of stimulating and developing our economy in a sustainable way.

Of equal if not of more importance than all other aspects of the budget I mentioned, leadership was shown in the steps taken on politicians' pay, car-pooling for Ministers and reductions in other ministerial utilities such as the Government jet.

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