Dáil debates

Thursday, 25 October 2018

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Fiscal Policy

11:05 am

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Surely the Minister will accept there is a vast capital investment deficit in the country at the moment, and that this is having a major negative impact on the operation of our economy and the quality of life of people. Why would the Government not use available resources now to save in the future? We are over-spending in respect of the cost of the housing assistance payment. Would it not make far more sense to invest in the provision of housing now rather than continuing with the dependence on HAP? Would it not make far more sense to ensure that we did not have long waiting lists for health services? It makes more sense for the Government to invest in the kind of facilities that are badly needed. It makes more sense for the Government to use the money as a catch-up fund to catch up with the under-investment in the capital area that we have saw during the austerity years. The principle centres on spending now to save in the future. Surely the Minister for Finance will accept that it is far more prudent to provide that kind of investment now rather than putting money away for something that may never happen in future.

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