Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In its latest country report on Ireland in which it makes country-specific recommendations, the European Commission adopted an ultra-conservative position in respect of Ireland, so much so that its recommendations will cut the fiscal space for Ireland by €7 billion over the next three years. This means the country will have less capacity to spend on vitally needed infrastructure. Last week, the Dáil passed a motion that the sale of a part interest in Allied Irish Banks should be postponed until such time as the proceeds from such a sale can be committed to capital spending.

In another part of its report, the Commission points out the severe infrastructure shortcomings in Ireland, specifically in transport, water services and housing.

What has the Government been doing that it has allowed the Commission, supported by the Department of Finance as I understand it, to spancel Ireland's potential for infrastructural growth at the same time that the Government is using AIB's proceeds to pay down debt?

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