Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am not asking the Taoiseach to speculate on any old comment. The Taoiseach did not answer the question I asked, about whether an increase in PRSI is the same as an increase in income tax. Perhaps the Taoiseach can answer that when he responds. This was a considered speech by a senior Minister in the Taoiseach's Government. Last week, we were all briefed to the effect that this would not happen any more and that there would be no more articulation of individual positions. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, has produced a very considered, comprehensive and well-argued paper about a range of issues.

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