Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator got me at the right time. This particular area has intrigued me for years, particularly the degree to which public expenditure and reform impacts throughout the economy. I do not want to identify any particular Department but have the witnesses noted particular trends we might have to be careful about? I am thinking about such issues as inflation, which is public enemy number one at present. If it is followed by interest rate changes at national, European and global level there will be serious implications for all economies throughout the globe. Has the Department factored into its thinking the extent to which it is likely to happen in this country? The Government rightly provided support to industry, the public, employers and employees during Covid. It definitely cannot go on for ever. There will be implications if we come to the conclusion that it should go on forever. The last thing any country should do is borrow to support public current spending. Capital spending is one thing but it is a different story for current spending. It only creates an artificial platform. What is the extent to which the Department is conscious of this? What impact might it have on performances in a year's time?