Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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There was quite a bit of discussion before the budget about what that package should be. If I were to look back on the record, which I do not have, I think the council suggested there was scope within what was already unspent, which was about €2 billion. As I said, the overall expenditure was double that increase. I will not dwell on it, but it is an issue. I agree there was scope for an additional package, but it was a pity the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council did not state at the time that it could be at this scale.

The second matter the witnesses touched on was inflation. Inflation for this year is projected to be 8.5% and next year is projected to be a little lower at 7%. On a cumulative basis, it will be approximately 16%. Social welfare in the same two years has increased by 8%. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council made the point that the package should protect the most vulnerable. In the main, those on social welfare are vulnerable individuals. Does the council have any concern that those on fixed incomes will see a significant real cut in living standards as a result of the budget?