Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I mention my experience in Paris to emphasise that this country has some very solid success stories. Bord Bia is to be complimented for the work it has done in this area. When the British budget was announced yesterday, it was interesting to note that Britain is following our lead in many ways. During an interesting debate on the national development plan in the House a couple of weeks ago, the Minister for Finance defended himself openly and explicitly against any criticism of the plan. The budget announced in Britain yesterday signals that things are beginning to change. The British identified that tax competitiveness is an essential element and they have introduced a minor reduction in corporation tax because of the threats to competition posed by Ireland but they have invested heavily in science and technology and have identified the importance of research and development.

We must examine this area on an ongoing basis. I accept we will not do this immediately but we must have a debate on inflation and the danger posed by an increase in inflation here and the lack of competitiveness. We need to have such a debate on a much more regular basis than we have had in the past. I urge to Leader of the House to arrange for a time slot for such a debate on a regular basis.