Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

——increase expenditure on defence. In any case, the Government is increasing expenditure on defence. In 1985 and 1995, during much of which time the Deputy's party was in office, official figures show that expenditure on defence increased by 2% per annum. From 1995 to 2005, it increased by 7% per annum. Since the Government came into office, the increase in the consumer price index has been 43% and expenditure on defence has increased by 68%. Hence, even though GNP is growing enormously, we are investing quite heavily and way above the rate of inflation.

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