Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can assure the Deputy that it is the Minister's intention to do as he outlined in his Budget Statement in regard to the pension levy. It was a difficult levy for many and it is important to note the context in which these decisions were taken. It was a time when there was very little flexibility available to Government, which was in an international programme. Any limited flexibility there was had to be directed in the area of job creation and reductions in VAT in a specific job intensive area - tourism. I accept the difficulties it has posed for some and I am pleased it will end next year.

See this speech in context