Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are four hours allocated for the summer economic statements in the House on Thursday. The national dialogue will take place next week and the committees of the House will do their business on the preparation for the budget running into October. Regarding expenditure for 2017, there is a net amount of €1 billion extra, with expenditure of €670 million as against taxation of €330 million. The figures for 2018 are €0.79 billion and €0.39 billion. This complies with the projections for a 2:1 ratio, which I outlined earlier.

It is true that when Deputy Howlin was in government we did not have the capital to invest in those very necessary facilities. That situation has improved somewhat and it means that for next year, 2017, there is an extra €250 million available, which is a great deal of money, but a small amount in terms of the overall budget. Some of those projects can be brought forward. As Deputy Howlin is aware, the Government has focused on health and housing as two major priorities. There are, of course, others, including education, broadband and other such areas. There are four hours on Thursday for a debate and then we will have the national economic dialogue next week.

See this speech in context