asked the Minister for Finance whether, having regard to the high profits which are being made by a number of firms, he is now prepared to introduce proposals for legislation for an excess profits tax in accordance with the assurances previously given to the Dáil in this respect.
- Excess Profits Tax.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is not customary to indicate in advance whether or not particular fiscal proposals will be introduced into the Oireachtas.
Could the Taoiseach give any indication of what form of evidence or what witnesses will have to be called before the Minister takes cognisance of facts well within the knowledge of every Deputy and given in reply to questions in 1948?
There is no Minister or Deputy in the House, including Deputy Lehane, who has more appreciation of the facts in connection with this matter than my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
Why will he not take action?