Mary White (Fianna Fail)

No. Tax reliefs are utilised by Government for economic measures such as urban, rural and hotel developments. When there is an economic or social crisis the Government decides to use tax benefit to develop and grow areas where the need is greatest. Tax reliefs are commonly used fiscal instruments.

The Celtic tigresses are now deciding they cannot have a second child because if they do they will have to stay at home. That is a fact. I talk to such people all the time. This is another bad example of fragmented Government activity. A total of 11 Departments deal with different aspects of family and child benefits. I call for a co-ordinated Government approach, which to date has only been successfully achieved in one area. When the former Taoiseach, Mr. Haughey, came up with the proposal for a financial services centre he decided to take a co-ordinated Government approach. We now have a successful financial services centre contributing €720 million to the economy.

The present system is no way to help families. Other speakers referred to those who are disadvantaged. My child policy is a child-centred one. Every child should be the responsibility of the State.