Mac Lochlainn, Pádraig, Mac Lochlainn, Pádraig

Leaders' Questions (Continued)

I cannot believe the Taoiseach pulled that one.

We sought views from all the Departments.

What about the Taoiseach's backbenchers? There are a few right-wingers there.

We did.

I see Deputy McGinley is getting uptight.

Financial Resolution No. 9: Income Tax (Continued)

I welcome Financial Resolution No. 7. However, it is really disappointing what has happened in this respect in that, clearly, Fine Gael won the battle in the debate in terms of the wealthy paying ...

My party put three proposals to the Government, as the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, will be aware. The first was a 1% tax on assets worth more than €1 mil...

The second was the third rate of tax, at 48%, which would have raised €365 million. The third was the standardising of discretionary tax reliefs that would have raised approximately €969 million. ...

If the Government wants to dispute what the wealth tax raises, it should apply it in and let us see what it raises. The Government could have tested it and seen how many hundreds of millions it ...

I seek clarification on Financial Resolution No. 8. The Tánaiste describes those concerned as employees. Are those who would benefit from that reduced rate directors or employees of companies? ...

It would want a big tin of Brasso for sure.

Deputy Boyd Barrett stated they would support it. Is Deputy McCarthy speaking of Fianna Fáil?

We tabled parliamentary questions.

That is where it is at in the Department of Finance.

Deputy McCarthy is likening the Department of Finance to amateurs. That is what he is doing. It is terrible.

Deputy McCarthy should withdraw that comment.

He is now calling the Department of Finance officials clowns.

Amateurs and clowns in the Department of Finance. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, might have to come into the House to make a statement.

I am embarrassed by Deputy McCarthy referring to Department of Finance officials as clowns and amateurs.

That is because the Leas-Cheann Comhairle told us to shut up.

You should do stand-up. You are brilliant. I would pay to see you.

The Tánaiste is bluffing and blustering. He is only fooling himself and his choir.

What an absolute bluffer.

Why is the Tánaiste raising his voice?

Financial Resolution No. 14: Capital Acquisitions Tax (Continued)

We have concerns about Financial Resolutions Nos. 10 and 11. These will allow the Government to tax savings and use the revenue to pay for the promissory note. We need to encourage people to put ...

With regard to Financial Resolutions Nos. 13 and 14, Sinn Féin proposed a 10% increase in capital gains and capital acquisitions tax, moving the rate from 30% to 40%. We proposed to reduce the t...

It is a desperate chorus of people who were clearly defeated by Fine Gael in negotiations when that party clearly defended the interests of the wealthy. Fine Gael could have considered the reality...

We will support Financial Resolutions Nos. 12 to 14, inclusive, begrudgingly. There was an opportunity to raise more than €300 million but the Government will raise approximately €100 million. ...

That says it all.

Let Deputy Broughan speak.

The Fine Gael Deputies are delighted. Look at them. They are like Cheshire cats.

He is still a member.

No, but he is a member of the real Labour Party.

Move it on.

Government Deputies have been screaming and shouting all night long. The Ceann Comhairle is a bit late calling everyone to order now.

Those Deputies have been like a choir. A very bad choir, at that.

Frankfurt's way.

My goodness. That is cynical.

Deputy Donohoe is a happy man tonight. Fine Gael got its way. He should just enjoy his victory.

Here we go again.

Come on. What a speech.

On a point of order, could Deputy Donohoe speak to the motion, please?

Consistency, a Cheann Comhairle.

I have a right to challenge decisions.