Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his statement. It is good that we are at least acknowledging the risks of Brexit and overheating in the economy and that we are addressing the national debt.

My first question relates to the Minister's strategies for reducing that debt. The Minister spoke of employment being at full capacity, and the issues of our skills base. We hear of money being offered left, right and centre to fill the gaps. I would like the Minister to comment on whether those gaps, including those relating to consultant posts, carers and so on, can be filled. Are we not codding people by offering to provide services when the workforce and skills are not there and when we are reaching full capacity? The economy is no longer steady as she goes. It is all about concern, caution, correction and clarity in respect of corporation taxes and the fiscal vulnerabilities that were mentioned.

My next question relates to the issue of a hard Brexit. Are other external threats to our economy, such as global overheating or downturns, going to be factored into the budget?

On the issue of a disorderly or orderly Brexit and the fork in the road that will come in September, what makes the Minister think we will have any additional information in the run-in to 31 October that will allow him to be in a position to decide which way will be taken at the fork? On the issue of carbon taxes, would the Minister indicate the course of action he hopes to take in the forthcoming budget? While I am not expecting him to tell us everything, the people I represent want to know what direction he intends to take because they also have to plan, just as the Minister does.