Larry Butler (Independent)

I will need to be brief. I draw Members' attention to the fact that we have taken in €32 billion this year. The Minister has done a marvellous job with the budget because if one follows it to its logical conclusion, pay and pensions would be cut by 30% across the public sector in order to balance the books. He did not go down that route and instead we decided to borrow further moneys. The budget has been much maligned in terms of the sector.

Much has been made of the €1 cut in the national minimum wage, but I do not believe that holds any water. It will be mainly the entertainment, hotel and retail sector that may take the opportunity. The minimum wage is what a person is worth and the experience they have in the job that they do. The minimum wage was only saying one could not pay less than that. Most employers in retail and other areas if they find they have a good employee will pay the best possible rate they can afford.

It is important to bear in mind-----