Frank O'Rourke (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Committees are meant to deal with issues and not be politically hijacked.

It was not possible to invest in the capital programme for a number of years for obvious reasons. There has been an opportunity over the past 18 months to two years to invest in the roll-out of infrastructure, including public transport, broadband, education, health services, etc. The broadband programme is to be completed by 2021 but it could be accelerated if there was greater investment in it. If a major capital investment programme was coherently put together and put in place, it could assist positively to deal with economic issues and to continue to deal with unemployment. Currently, interest rates are close to 0% for capital borrowing and, therefore, it is a prudent time to borrow. What are Professor Barrett's views on that?

Deputy Haughey referred to the issue with income tax. The unemployment rate has reduced, yet the income tax returns are decreasing. Why is that? I support the notion that the tax burden for low to middle income earners should be reduced over time. The USC will continue but those on low and middle incomes should be removed from it. It will put more money back in their pockets and it will help to drive local economies. If money is in circulation, there is a dividend to be paid for it. If the country is getting into a position where that can happen, those who need it should be facilitated and supported by putting that money back in their pockets.