Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Mathews is correct that the debt to national income ratio measurement was used by the Minister for Finance in the budget. However, he should acknowledge the predictions we have in place to see that debt to national income ratio fall. That is why the Government has a target next year for a primary budget surplus - so we can decrease the debt to national income ratio. This will allow us to prioritise tax revenues for the things on which we want to spend our money - that is, our schools and hospitals.

See this speech in context