Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the part that October plays in VAT in accounting terms. Given the fact that the Government is €300 million behind profile, is there any indication that cross-Border trade and the fall in sterling are affecting VAT returns? Are we already beginning to see the impact of Brexit?

In terms of income tax and USC returns, which are almost €100 million behind profile, two strong months will be needed in November and December. Given the grave uncertainties of Brexit and the Trump election, will the Government's 2016 budgetary projections be a close-run race? To some extent, the base figures for 2017 that were presented a few weeks ago are beginning to unravel. I believe it was Deputy Calleary who told the House this morning that the recommendation in the Garda dispute could cost €50 million. The Minister has conceded that. Are we beginning to see signs of a faltering economy and problems for the Minister's budgets?

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