Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There was a rise in the conversions margin that went to 2.3% in the summer economic statement from 1.7% in budget 2017. If that had not changed, the independent budget office believes that the net fiscal space would be €1.8 billion for 2018. The output gap rose from 1.1% in budget 2017 to 1.4% in the summer economic statement. What drove that increase?

We spent much of the year trying to get our heads around the underperformance of income tax figures. Various explanations were offered. Generally, the proposal for USC changes is one of those. In preparing the 2018 income tax figures, is the Minister confident that they will be accurate? Will he be able to stand over the target figures he will present on budget day?

In recent weeks a number of witnesses have commented that we are moving towards full employment, something that the Minister's colleagues frequently mention. However, we have a very low labour participation rate at 60%. Is the Minister considering initiatives to enhance that labour force participation rate? I ask the Minister to give his views on the impact of the changes in child care costs he announced in budget 2017. What effect have those changes made to child care costs, particularly in recent weeks?

I wish to inquire about two specific taxation initiatives. What is the Department of Finance view on the vacant site tax? Has the Minister received advice from his officials on the concept of such a tax and its implementation? Has he received advice from his officials on the 9% rate of VAT for hospitality and other services?

Have his officials advised the Minister to raise the value added tax, VAT, rate from 9% for hospitality and other services?

We have taken a more moderate view of the economy given threats such as Brexit and the common consolidated corporate tax base, CCCTB. The Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, described the CCCTB as possibly a bigger threat than Brexit. What is the Minister's view of the threats? We also put in climate change.

What is the likely impact of President Trump's proposals on corporation tax, if they are passed, on our corporation tax base? What is the Minister's view of the long-term sustainability of that base?

What are the Minister's views on President Macron's proposals this morning, linking agreement on European tax reform to subsidies and to participation in the European Social Fund? That does not sound like a united Europe.

Once again, the Health Service Executive, HSE, has an overrun, which it blames on the various changes to public sector pay announced this year. The Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, stated in this room this morning that no extra money will be given to the HSE this year to account for those extra changes.