asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the Dublin Council of Trade Unions has requested that the Government's tax plan should not be implemented in the next budget; and if he intends to accede to that request.

I have seen newspaper reports of the request of the Dublin Council of Trade Unions to which the Deputy refers.

I will shortly be introducing legislation to give effect to the £9.60 payment to the spouse at home. The implementation of the other tax changes proposed in the Programme for Government 1981-1986 will fall to be considered by the Government in the context of the budget, and consideration will be given at that time to the views expressed by the various interested groups.