Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I received a routine letter from the Minister, setting out her views on the impact on her Department. The Deputy's allegation that information was kept secret is without foundation. As Deputy Martin will be aware, we live in a democracy. The Government is entitled to make decisions about how it might progress matters that are of interest to the people. Clearly, the mess the Government inherited in respect of unemployment and the economy generally, warranted a focus on restoring confidence to the indigenous economy.

There was technical advice from the Pensions Board. The Government decided to impose a levy of 0.6% on the pensions industry for four years as a temporary measure bringing in €450 million a year which will be spent directly on focused areas where employment can be created. As a consequence, the Government altered its decision on VAT with impact directly on the hospitality sector and the labour intensive industries, on the travel tax and on halving employers' PRSI. These are measures within the jobs initiative that will have a direct impact.

Deputy Martin's allegations of subterfuge and issues being kept from people are entirely groundless. Any individual, Minister or Department can have views on Government proposals and the Minister for Social Protection, in writing a letter expressing concerns about possible impact on her Department, acted quite normally.

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