Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The way in which questions are assigned is not a matter for me, it is a matter for the Office of the Ceann Comhairle. During my time on questions, which comes around every second week in the House, I answer as many questions as are put to me, including supplementary questions.

To answer the question the Ceann Comhairle's office allowed to be tabled, sound public finances are essential to support sustainable economic growth. I have outlined my views on the budgetary parameters for this in the summer economic statement. As I have emphasised on a number of occasions, the changes we make on expenditure and taxation should be gradual. While it is a very demanding thing to deliver, I am committed to doing it. If one looks at recent changes in our economy, one can see that we have provided for increases in public expenditure, with a particular focus on health, housing, education and social protection. In recent budgets, in particular, we have seen increases in the weekly social welfare rates.

The Government is committed to reducing excessive tax rates for middle income earners while also maintaining a broad tax base. We will, however, do this gradually. I made this point at other fora recently. Those who would criticise a gradualist approach to doing this must outline what is the alternative. Are they suggesting that any given budget would make no difference to tax rates? If that is the case, we will have a tax code that gradually falls out of line with changes in people's incomes which in turn would create a long-term problem. Those who suggest that I should do more are advocating the big-bang approach to taxation that was pursued in the past. Look how that turned out. In response to calls that have been made I will in the next budget outline a longer timeframe in respect of economic forecasts in order to give all Members confidence regarding the longer-term choices I seek make.

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