Dáil debates

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Financial Resolution No. 6: General (Resumed)

 

6:00 pm

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I welcome this opportunity to participate in this budget debate and I support the third budget of my friend, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen. The measures announced in yesterday's budget build on the sound economic policies which have been consistently pursued by the Government since 1997. This country has made remarkable economic and social progress during that time and the majority of Irish people acknowledge this progress. We have come a long way and witnessed a major transformation of our great country. The nature and scale of the transformation is one of which we can all be proud. The budget for 2007 aims to consolidate, sustain and promote growth in our economy while rewarding work by continuing to reduce tax to ensure that all workers will be better off. Budget 2007 helps those on low incomes with a spend of €15 billion in the Department of Social and Family Affairs. As my colleague, Deputy Johnny Brady, said, we will have the opportunity to discuss each of those areas in the social welfare debate next week.

Budget 2007 also supports young families and helps first-time house buyers and rural and urban economies. Like all previous budgets introduced by this Fianna Fáil-led Administration, this budget strikes an appropriate balance between the competing demands any Minister for Finance must address. I support the budget strategy and priorities. Our economic and social success is due not to one particular budget but to tough decisions, sound strategies, ambitious targets, vision and determination over a long period of time. It was with great interest that I heard on our national radio, as many people did, the comments on the 1987 budget by the then Minister for Finance, Mr. Ray MacSharry. Although he was sharply criticised by the Opposition in this House, it has been proven that he took the correct course of action. He was one of the good Fianna Fáil Ministers for Finance who helped to achieve what we enjoy today.

This Government's policies, strategies and ambitious targets are right and a well educated population worked hard to turn this country around. As a small, open economy, our fortunes are determined to a large extent by developments in the global market. I highlight the important contribution our membership of the EU makes to our national well-being. Ireland has achieved success beyond measure and beyond the capacity of a nation our size. Since our entry to the EU, we have diversified the economy and gained a reputation abroad for skill, determination and the manner in which we adapt to changing markets. Ireland is the envy of many larger European nations.

For a person of my age, who used to see Germany and the United States as strong countries, it is interesting that Ireland, a small dot in the Atlantic Ocean, is in a far stronger position than those two countries.

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