Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Where does that equation work into Professor McHale's recommendation on the consolidation of the €3.1 billion? If we reduce domestic savings and increase the spend in the retail sector, it has an immediate effect on employment figures, as we have seen. The 9.5% VAT rate had a significant effect on people in employment. Spending in the domestic economy immediately triggers into jobs. The balance within the budget cycle is trying to generate that confidence.