Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister mentioned fiscal union earlier. It seems that different economies in Europe have different productivity levels, many of which are divergent, and entering into a tight fiscal union in those circumstances is a recipe for disaster. The twin-track Europe we have currently where Germany and France set the rules and the smaller countries in particular are forced to follow them is not in Ireland's interests. They are different economies and different elements of the cycle but they are all being treated with the same tools.

Deputy McGrath mentioned the inconsistencies in the prediction figures with regard to debt to GDP ratios and GDP growth. Rather than being volatile around them, unfortunately, all of them erred on the wrong side in the past. There are contradictions also.

It talks growth but focuses on contraction. One of the startling transactions is that current spending will continue to contract further and then remain static for another four years. This is despite the fact the people have suffered a massively damaging spending blow. Spend per capitawill be reduced in real terms.
Since this Administration started, net employment has increased by 30,000 jobs but emigration has been ten times that number. People on the edge of existence will want to know what growth prediction the Government believes is necessary to see a reduction in the level of contraction. More specifics on this would be useful.