Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes's call to the Leader regarding the Ombudsman's report, to which I referred recently. She has made reasonable recommendations regarding extensions of powers to her office.

I also agree with Senator O'Toole's comments on the PIAB. I raised this issue yesterday in regard to seeking a fair and proportionate reduction vis-À-vis the profits the insurance companies are making.

Members will have been disturbed to have read in the Irish Independent this morning that stealth is stealing our people's wealth. Of 23 countries, Ireland last year had the third largest increase in the tax burden. What are the Leader's views on this? Will the Government make a commitment that there will be no further increases and that this will bring about a serious reduction in the forthcoming budget?