Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

The programme is proceeding apace. Senator O'Toole was enthusiastic about the budget, asking a range of detailed questions about the initiatives announced today, particularly with regard to high earners. I cannot clarify the issues at this time, but measures will be announced in more detail by relevant Ministers in due course. The detail of tax measures will be elaborated on in the forthcoming tax Bill.

Senator Bannon was excited about the issue of social housing and homelessness. The Government is fully committed to ensuring that housing needs are met in a comprehensive and effective way. The current national development plan allocated €9 billion for this area from 2000 to 2006. The Government is fully aware of the recent recommendations from NESC, and we will take these into account with the new NDP for 2007 onwards.

A number of people referred to the issue of tax reliefs, and there was general appreciation that they were being dealt with. These have been evaluated rigorously both within the Department and by external consultants. Schemes that have served their time and are no longer proving cost effective are being eliminated. Transitional measures to ensure that no undue negative implications arise, particularly in the construction sector, will be put in place. I have covered the majority of the issues raised by Senators.