John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

The measures on the business expansion scheme are appropriate, as is ensuring alternative energy production is supported through agriculture. The amount of money per hectare the European Union gives farmers was not sufficient to encourage farmers to grow alternative energy crops but the introduction of an additional payment of €80 per hectare will deliver significant progress in this area.

As the Minister noted, when one considers the budget in terms of the proportion allocated to the vital areas of health, social welfare and education, it passes all tests. It is a good budget, not an attempt to buy the votes of the electorate at the next election. In any event, the electorate is too intelligent to swallow such a move.