Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

As regards the second question, Senator McDowell used the freedom of the House to allude to a policy in which I believe. Everybody should make a little contribution to the State. There should be a mythical box in a computer which shows Joe Smith's contribution during his working life. It might only be 1 cent per week during the times he has worked. I agree with the Senator. It does not mean we would take it through the taxation system. It would probably be done through the PRSI or social insurance system. I also believe in that principle. Senator McDowell heard me speak about that in the other House.

Everything in the Fianna Fáil manifesto, the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government agreement and the partnership programmes, including Sustaining Progress, is conditional on sustainable public finances. Anything in the taxation system will be done over time. I do not want anyone to get the impression that over the next three budgets everyone on the minimum wage will be taken out of the tax net.