Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept the Deputy's assertion of auction politics. We have set out this clearly for the preparation of the budget for 2015. The discussion on tax cuts is part of a jobs plan to grow our economy and to provide employment. Research shows that is the best way to reduce the tax burden on people. The Minister for Finance has made it perfectly clear that is a priority for us.

I know the Deputy did not support paying the household charge and she is also opposed to the property tax. Yet the councillors elected on 23 May will have the responsibility of making decisions about the provision of public services in local authority areas.

To answer the Deputy's question again, the Government has made it a clear priority that, depending on how the economy grows and the leeway available to the Government, the reduction of tax and widening of bands are priorities. Clearly, however, it will happen only if it can be afforded. In that sense, careful fiscal discipline and economic monitoring are important elements of the Government's work that is now under way as we prepare for budget 2015.

There are no auction politics here; it is a straight statement of fact. The Government would like to be in a position to help people who are squeezed both by creating jobs and impacting on the level of tax. To be able to do that, however, we must continue with the momentum we have gained and not lose any ground. We will reflect on that as we go through the year and prepare for budget 2015 in October.

See this speech in context