Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

-----and with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan. The Deputies opposite will get an opportunity to contribute.

I am happy to see that some of my policies have been incorporated in yesterday's budget, including the commitment for 15,000 additional employment activation places, the employment and investment incentives for the financing of SMEs and the tax relief for home improvements. The capping of maximum pay rates is a welcome step, although it is not low enough, and I want it to be pursued relentlessly. The quangos must also be dealt with. We cannot pussyfoot around these issues; we have to deal with them.

There are a number of other issues, including that concerning subcontractors. The Bill dealing with subcontractors or the tax change in this area will help to create jobs. The is also the matter of a number of Bills to be brought before the House before our colleagues get the opportunity to go to the public so that we can all be judged on our standpoint. We badly need to get the Bill dealing with subcontractors-----

See this speech in context