Does the Tánaiste agree that many of the multinationals, because of their size and capacity for employment, are setting the economic agenda and gradually the Government is losing influence? If they decide to move to another low wage country, there is nothing the Tánaiste can do about it. Does the Tánaiste support my proposal to develop indigenous industry and what role does she see for the semi-State sector in developing the economy and creating jobs? Does she have a hostile view of the semi-State sector? If this is the case, it is bad for the economy.
Does the Tánaiste agree with me that we do not live in a low tax economy when PAYE workers are paying out over 40% of their wages when PRSI, the 2% health levy, VHI and BUPA private insurance schemes, the extra 15% Government levy in chemists, the 29% increase in the bin tax in the Dublin City Council area, the new ATM tax and an increase of 100% on parking permits are taken into account? Does the Tánaiste accept that, despite the image of being a low tax economy, the average taxpayer is being hammered and this is not good for the broader economy?