Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Commission and many of my colleagues in ECOFIN are very much aware of the need to take care in the application of fiscal rules in the future because of the investment and demand stimulation needed now and for the foreseeable future. While it is fair to say we probably approach the debate from different starting points, which is fine and the way politics should operate, a common ground at present is an understanding that the timing of the application of rules in the future is a sensitive and important decision. It is in recognition of this that the general escape clause has been activated, not only for this year but for next year, because of an appreciation to continue to inject stimulus into our economies even if we are in an early phase of a rebound.