Would the Minister not acknowledge that the real problem here is that the whole taxation system is over-burdened, that the Revenue Commissioners are not able to cope in view of the fact that, since this Government came into office, total taxation has increased — to £6,000 million — by 66 per cent? Would the Minister agree that the new taxes he has introduced, such as the DIRT and others, are causing public anxiety and indeed for the staff of the Revenue Commissioners——

The Deputy may not make a speech of this sort.

—— rendering it impossible for the Revenue Commissioners to adhere to any normal practice.

I am calling Question No. 8.

Would the Minister not comment on the fact that the staff in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners have not been increased in line with the huge increase in taxation?

I think Question No. 30 deals with that matter.

Would the Minister not agree that the staff of the Revenue Commissioners are not able to cope with the tax burden imposed by this Government any more than can the public?

The only comment I would make on that is that when the Deputy's party were last in office they increased the share of total taxation taken from the PAYE sector from 30 per cent to 34 per cent.

A Cheann Comhairle——

Question No. 8. I am sorry, Deputy, I am moving to the next question.

The Minister has misled the House. The total tax revenue is now three times what it was when we were in office.

The Deputy will please resume his seat.