Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister has changed his tune since April of this year when he set out his budgetary parameters. For three days before the weekend we witnessed all the intrigue, hype and tension of the negotiations with allegations and rumours about this, that and the other. Eventually, Ministers Dempsey and Ryan approached the podium to explain to a nation pent up with excitement or terror what this agreement was all about. It is a pity we do not have a cost on this document and I will explain why. On 30 September this year, the Minister, Deputy Gormley, who went on the ferry to Holyhead, stated at a press conference, "You cannot have a document which is not costed. It has to be costed and it will be". The Taoiseach has signed off on a deal, he has them in the lair now for the period ahead.

From our perspective we have carried out a preliminary calculation of the tax implications of this new deal. Based on those estimates, the ordinary family will have to foot an increased tax hike of €2.5 billion. Where will the money come from to pay for the announcements in this new deal? Fine Gael has repeatedly pointed out that no country has ever taxed its way back to prosperity. All the pronouncements that the Minister for Finance has been making since April now seem to be thrown out the window simply to keep the Government on board. What is the calculation of the cost here? Is it €2.5 billion on the tax side? Will the Taoiseach outline who will pay for the 500 extra teachers over three years referred to? Are they to be appointed to the detriment of the appointment of nurses, gardaí and other front line public services that our people so desperately need?

See this speech in context