Vol. 531 No. 3
187 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Finance if the cost implication for industry was taken into account when the proposed increase in PRSI levies was apportioned to employers in budget 2001; and if he will make a statement with regard to the effect on competitiveness especially for export industries. [5588/01]
All relevant factors were taken into account in reaching the Budget 2001 decision regarding employer PRSI. As I have said on several occasions previously, the decision should be viewed in the wider context of the continuing overall favourable climate for business. In that regard, I have also pointed out that, notwithstanding the budgetary change, our employer PRSI arrangements continue to compare favourably with the EU norm, a factor which should be of assistance to our exporters.
