Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

It was modified to take account of the interests of others but, nonetheless, the basic principle stands. That type of reinforced social trend must be taken into account. Addressing this issue should probably take precedence over general tax relief in the next budget.

My party made proposals on this matter in its 1997 general election manifesto. We went into coalition and it was not part of the programme for Government. Nevertheless, even seven or eight years ago the Opposition adopted a position that this was an issue to be addressed. We cannot wait much longer. The demand from the people to address this has become insistent.