Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

As parliamentarians, we are entitled to put an amendment to the people to allow for the levy's deduction from the country's highest paid officials. They should not be above reproach. If they wanted to take a case against it, no one would be able to hear the proceedings. We are the arbitrators in this regard and it would be a productive measure.

Some time ago, I proposed the bond that has been mentioned today and approved by SIPTU. A low rate, ten-year investment and-or pension bond worth €10 billion would be raised by the public for those without pensions. Its contributors' means should not be investigated. Doing so would lead to its collapse. A new approach is necessary. Since Anglo Irish Bank is at our disposal, we have a vehicle through which to raise money to assist the State. The money is available.

PDFORRA has asked for the tax bands to be considered and believes that the levy is a blunt instrument. The body has been inundated with representations in that regard. The AGSI, which has never before received so many calls from its members, has expressed a deep concern about the situation. Given the fact that they are defending the State, it is concerned that the levy will affect its members.