Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am not sure what Deputy Martin is looking for. He is persisting as if there is some sort of hidden volumes of detailed analysis and information about the jobs initiative and its funding, which is coming through a levy on the pensions industry. We made it clear long before the election that in discussions with the pensions industry, the case was made that instead of reducing tax relief, a levy on the fund to be collected by the industry was the way to go. This levy is 0.6%, which is 60 cent in €100. It is a solidarity contribution which was based on 100% relief for building up very sizeable pension pots in the first place. It is limited in nature and time and it is designed to create an initiative to provide employment around the country. I am sure the Deputy supports that.

Committee Stage of the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 is taking place next week and the Deputy can ask the Minister for Finance all the questions he likes. However, he should not run away with the idea that there are volumes of secret material on this levy in the Department of Finance.

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