Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes, certainly. The Government began with a slightly expansionary budget last year after a period of seven years of contraction. It was able to add additional spending in priority areas, most noticeably in the areas of health and education. Public service recruitment has started again and as I have stated, there was a gross increase in the number of public servants last year for the first time in many years and this will continue this year as the Government addresses the issue of front-line services. In addition, the Government last year also reduced the level of tax, particularly on the lowest and middle-income earners, with reductions in the universal social charge. The Government will continue this policy in a prudent way next year. The Government wishes to ensure that Ireland does not return to boom and bust but that the economic base that is now solid, with an economy growing on the basis of goods and services people wish to buy, will be sustained and there will be increased prosperity in which people can make rational planning decisions for themselves in an environment that is secure.

See this speech in context