Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is clear that the fiscal space in 2018, in particular, will be limited and that reflects the carry-over of the full year cost of commitments from budget 2017 and the impact of the recent public service pay agreement, if ratified.

Given that Deputy Howlin has raised the economy it is worth reflecting on the fact that we do have the fastest growing economy in Europe. Unemployment is down, incomes are up and inequality is narrowing.

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