Mr. John McGeady:

The Deputy also mentioned the erosion of workers’ wages. It is important to note that, according to the CSO and the SILC, in-work poverty was at a rate of 5.9%. Employment is not necessarily a route out of poverty. There needs to be serious reform of our economy in order to address that and ultimately bring in a living wage.

Finally, I echo what has been said. There is ultimately a choice. Do we begin with tax? Do we ask about the most that the Government is willing to tax and then divvy it up and, if it is not enough, then too bad? Alternatively, do we ask what is needed and then find out how to source it? That is the choice.