John Gilroy (Labour)

It is difficult to know where to start. Perhaps I should start by commending the Opposition for their valiant efforts in finding something to criticise in a VAT reduction. I am new to this Chamber, but I am not new to the English language. It is with some disbelief that I hear Senator Byrne opposing VAT relief in section 2 and proposing that we extend the VAT relief to the construction and energy industry in section 3. Perhaps being new to the House makes me miss the point here.

I see that the legislative text refers to a reduction of VAT on certain tourist related goods and services. Yet the debate from the Opposition seems to be in the area of construction, energy and so on. As an aside and from listening to Senator Walsh, I would like to know whether it is Fianna Fáil policy to reduce the minimum wage again and reduce public service salaries by 30% in a bid to create more jobs.

There is very little in this section that is anything other than positive. This is a stimulus. It has been noted before in this debate that governments do not create jobs. That is universally accepted, but governments create the framework under which jobs are provided. That is the point of this section in the Bill and I welcome it.