Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Pringle makes an articulate case in favour of increasing public spending year on year. As he will be aware, the budget that we are planning will increase public spending by approximately €2.8 billion next year. Some of that will be for health services, disability services and services for the victims of domestic violence. I would almost be tempted to send Deputy Pringle to meet the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council on my behalf in order that he might suggest to it what may be the social consequences of running the bigger surplus it is demanding of us. The Government must strike balance between listening to those who advise us to spend less and to build a bigger surplus in order to prepare for bad times that may come in the future and meeting the enormous demands and needs that exist across society. We must get that balance right and I think we do so.

In the context of the organisations to which the Deputy refers, I will seek information on their funding. I will consider the matter and ensure that the information is sent on to the his office.

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