Michael McCarthy (Labour)

People can switch the television off. I support the Government for allowing the national broadcaster to increase the licence fee. I do not have a difficulty with that increase because I support State broadcasting. However, I have a problem with the 12% increase in car tax. That hurts everyone. It pinches people's pockets. A 12% increase is substantial. Such an increase in other areas might have been welcome, but not in car tax.

VHI premia will increase by 19% while electricity prices will increase by 13%. One Member of the House which initiated the increase in VHI premia has a medical card. I am not criticising the Government for that. The Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Social and Family Affairs did not give it to him.