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

Let us look at the facts. Ireland has the second most progressive tax system in the OECD. The most recent survey on income and living standards conducted by the Central Statistics Office, CSO, found that deprivation in Ireland reduced from 25.5% to 21%. A significant change in levels of inequality and income inequality, in particular, in our country has happened and that is a journey that I want to see continued. Let us also look at the fact that the discretionary measures that were announced in budget 2019, particularly in terms of the delivery of services, will help those who have the least, particularly those who are on lower levels of income. I want to see the level of income change that is happening in our country be concentrated in such a way that will help those who need it the most. It is extraordinary to hear the Deputy talk about an agenda being in place which looks to shrink the State, given that this is a budget that looks to increase capital investment next year by €1.4 billion and invest in key public services to a level that is higher than at any point in our recent past. All of this is about ensuring that we have a State that can make a difference to those who are in great need. Those are the beliefs that underpin this budget.

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