Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach did not answer the core question of currency. The budget failed in properly addressing the Brexit issue. Any commentary on the budget in relation to Brexit is negative in opinion outside of this House and across the board. The budget is assuming a base scenario for next year of 85p sterling to the euro. Is the Taoiseach satisfied that that is a solid basis on which to plan the economy for the next 12 months? I believe that is a very foolish gamble indeed. All of the measures the Taoiseach has outlined would have happened independent of Brexit. Most of them were in place prior to the Brexit referendum. All of them, in fact, were in place in one part or another in terms of the base schemes. Nothing substantial happened yesterday, which was a huge surprise to many people who expected such a package. Fundamentally, is the Government going to provide a currency crisis package for Irish industry?

That is the key question, because that is happening right now. It is not something that we have to plan for; it is actually occurring right now. We know it from the mushroom industry and horticulture generally. The impact is very real. It has resulted in a loss of jobs. A currency crisis package should have been provided for in yesterday's budget. What is the Government's position on it? Will the Taoiseach answer the question about the 85p sterling to one euro exchange rate? Is that the base scenario the Government is sticking with for the next 12 months, as outlined in the budget documents?

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