Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The summer economic statement referred to a figure of €4.7 billion. When we distil the statement, it provides headroom of €1.5 billion, made up of €1 billion in current expenditure and €500 million in taxes.

Tax receipts for the month of August, post the summer economic statement in July, showed a 25% increase or €866 million in extra taxes. My question to the Minister zones in on the €1 billion in spending. When it comes to budget day, will this figure provide the Minister with extra headroom? Will the €1 billion be used to provide social welfare increases? Will such increases keep pace with the rate of inflation, which was running at 2.8% up to the end of August? Will they cover pensions and other areas of social welfare? These questions are in the context of the additional tax revenue of €866 million in August, which was not provided for in the summer economic statement.