Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

My best judgment at the moment is that most scenarios are ones in which the Irish economy continues to grow but grows at a slower pace. That slower pace of growth would still compare really well with all parts of Europe and still deliver more people at work in Ireland than there were when I began working. That applies in most scenarios. There are extreme scenarios that could arise that relate to what would happen in regard to taxation and trade policy. That could affect, first, our public finances and then broader growth within our economy.

What is really important is the work under way by my officials dealing with our negotiations with regard to tax and also the work of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in influencing the EU and trying to make points to the US to avoid the worst happening. That is the best answer I can give the Deputy. Many a finance minister confidently predicted what will happen. I have learned the value of a bit of humility in our predictions. I have also seen, on two different occasions, that our economy has recovered far faster and far stronger than most expected. There is an enormous strength within it but we must make a few decisions ourselves to make that strength at a higher level.