Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While we are at an all-time high now in terms of capital expenditure, the reality is that we were lagging so far behind and we have had a significant infrastructural deficit in this State for so long. It has been decades-long. I welcome that the IMF has said this and that the penny has dropped in the sense that we need to grow out rather than have austerity.

Many people are raising another question with me at the moment. It is of deep concern for people. It relates to the pandemic unemployment payment and business supports. The Minister and the Taoiseach have said there will be no cliff edge. The Minister has also said that we will know the outline in the coming weeks. There is, however, a problem for businesses. I have been speaking to the people involved. They do not have the luxury of waiting for several weeks to see what will happen. They are concerned. Businesses, including hotels and so on have to plan for the coming year. People need to know whether they can pay the rent or mortgage next month. It is of deep concern to people.

Can the Minister provide more clarity? Can he provide assurance to people that this will go on longer term? Does the Minister see this going on? The Minister says there will be no cliff edge and is talking about tapering off. Is he talking about tapering off pre-budget? Are the changes referenced pre-budget? Will it go on longer to the extent that it would it be included in the next budget?