Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no need for me to say that I will be brief. The Government's approach to budgetary measures in recent years has been on a sectoral basis. Let us consider the improvements that have been made in terms of the job creating measures. Predominantly, they have been in the sectors of agriculture and tourism. One aspect of the budget that I welcome in particular is that this sectoral approach is continuing into the construction industry. More than €2.2 billion over three years is being set aside to deal with the shortage in housing. Undoubtedly, this will have a major impact in constituencies throughout the country.

My constituency covers an area that is heavily dependent on agriculture. Therefore, I welcome the related measures that have been included by the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. They will ensure that a €26 billion industry which employs more than 170,000 people will be sustained in future. From the point of view of the Limerick area this is of considerable significance.

I welcome the fact that there are no increases in class sizes and that additional resources are being made available in education. When we went into Government first, this was one of the areas that generated the greatest level of concern among parents and teachers in rural constituencies. I welcome the provisions in place. Any budget where we are not taking money away from people and restoring some small amounts has to be welcomed. Like previous speakers, I welcome the provisions of the budget.

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