Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

So much so that I read through some of the old files in my office to find a quote that would suit tonight's topic perfectly as follows:

Given the current Exchequer deficit position, the decision to increase the standard VAT rate continues to be necessary to support the public finances. We are borrowing to fund day-to-day public services, which is unsustainable as future generations will be required to pay higher taxes unless we correct the public finances.

This is a quote from the late Brian Lenihan Jr., the former Minister for Finance on 13 May 2009. I only wish some of his colleagues would take note of this more often.

See this speech in context