Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak during this important debate on the macroeconomic and fiscal outlook. This is an important crossroads in the economic development of this country. It is important that voices from all sides of the political divide are heard and sensible proposals are considered. I say that as an Independent Deputy who wants to support new and radical ideas that will facilitate job creation and investment in this country. Anyone who says they can solve this problem without being part of the solution is living in cloud cuckoo land. Major cuts will lead to no growth. No growth will mean fewer tax receipts and more unemployment. I agree that reforms are needed, but slashing and burning the services that are provided to the elderly, disabled, sick and unemployed should not be an option. The balance between reforms and increased taxation will have to be measured correctly. A common sense approach is needed if we are to ensure the growth and development of this country is not buried. When the tough decisions are being made about taxation and salary cuts, those with the most will have to take the biggest hits. Deputies, Senators and Ministers should take the lead. They should stop moaning and whinging and get on with it. My bottom line in this debate is that front line services have to come first.

I strongly support the comments of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and, in particular, Ms Marian Harkin, MEP, about the arbitrary imposition of the 2014 deadline. The requirement that Ireland must comply with the EU Stability and Growth Pact by that date will irrevocably damage our small open economy and lead to a lost decade for Ireland. We should examine Article 9 of the Lisbon treaty, which provides:

In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union shall take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health.

Ireland can make a compelling case that the social cost of the 2014 deadline is in breach of the spirit of Article 9 of the Lisbon treaty. As a sovereign state, our first duty is to safeguard the welfare of our citizens. Under no circumstances can the 2014 deadline for meeting the terms of the Stability and Growth Pact be allowed to override that.

We can, and will, live up to both responsibilities but we need an extended timeframe. When trying to get out of this mess, it is very important we have growth, investment and job creation. It is also very important to support any sensible ideas in this debate which will increase job creation and thus increase tax collected.

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