Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

It is absolutely typical of the Opposition, at a time when inflation is reaching its euro-area target of 2%, to introduce a motion that is essentially about inflation and price increases. The real threat, of course, is deflation. There will be problems, in fact, if inflation goes below 2%. It is not good for the economy to have inflation at such a low level. It is a mistimed motion from the Opposition, and I commend the Government's motion, which deals with the broader issues of the day, which are much more relevant to the ordinary person.

See this speech in context