Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The SPU shows a year-on-year core spending increase of 3.5%. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council says this only covers wage inflation, inflation and demographic pressures and does not deal with Government priorities. I take that as an acceptance that it will be beyond 3.5%. The Minister has said in the media that 3.5% is prudent and in line with the growth trajectory of the economy. Given that this 3.5% growth in expenditure does not cover many of the programme for Government commitments, where does the Minister think expenditure growth needs to go? Would he be satisfied with 4.5%, 5% or where is his thinking on this? Does he accept it will be higher than 3.5%?