Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

What we are doing in this regard was never meant to be the answer to all our problems. However, it is the beginning of a process on the part of the Government to create a sense of fairness. Those at the lower end have been obliged to pay levies and charges of one form or another and those at the higher end should be also seen to pay their share. As already stated, this is the start of a process and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, had the courage to make a decision and put it into effect.

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