Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is why we have beaten the deficit targets every year since the Government was elected and our national debt is approaching European norms and will continue to do so in the time ahead. This is why more than 125,000 new jobs have been created. This is why the Government made its decision. The tax level was too high. It is the first time since 2009 that the tax burden is less than 50%. If the people want a continuation of this, they can vote for it in due course.

I discussed the Web Summit. The organisers made their choice. It was a commercial decision. We are disappointed and we hope they return. The Deputy mentioned growing class sizes. It is why the Government decided to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio at both primary and secondary level. The Minister will announce a capital programme to abolish prefabs and construct new buildings in order that teachers can do their best to meet the demands of so many firms and opportunities that lie ahead.

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