Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

When I listen to what they are actually saying, however, I find it quite scary. They reiterate constantly that the risks are on the downside and the forecasts are very uncertain. I agree with that because, particularly, the growth forecasts vary quite widely. The Government depends on the more optimistic growth scenario to materialise which makes me worry even more. Even after the €2 billion adjustment in the forthcoming budget, we have to reduce spending by 2018 by another 8%, which does not necessarily require cuts at the nominal level. This is against a background where demographic pressures and other demands from real human beings in the economy are likely to significantly increase. However nicely one puts it, this is beginning to look like a bleak and grim scenario. The circle that cannot be squared will be the big demand on our public service by our growing population when we have to continue to reduce spending. This looks grim for people living in our society. It may also be impossible because everything the council says is on the downside. It is difficult to imagine the scenario where some of those downside risks do not materialise.