Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our country, North and South. In fact, I believe it has changed all our lives in some way and I do not believe it will ever be the same again. We must never act in the same way.

The Covid-19 virus does not distinguish between rich and poor but the health outcomes for rich and poor can be seen in the statistics throughout the world. Our society must never act in a way that leaves one citizen behind. We must do what we must and be bold at this time.

I wish to recognise the positive and constructive response from the Government around issues and anomalies that we have highlighted relating to various income and business supports. The Government has addressed some of them. However, as has been mentioned by previous Deputies, it is disappointing that only yesterday some of the pandemic unemployment payments were cut. This is regrettable and should be reversed.

I am keen to focus on one main point. It is acknowledged that Governments throughout the EU, including Ireland, have abandoned the fiscal rules. Is it feasible or desirable to commit to a balanced budget in 2021? Would it not be better to run a deficit of 2% in the medium term to allow for an increase in purchasing power within the economy? Investment in infrastructure now is not costly. Surely we have learned from the disgraceful austerity years following 2008 that the approach in that period is not acceptable.

I will offer some examples of schemes that we could borrow for now to boost the economy, get people back to work and build decent community infrastructure. Dublin West is experiencing another population boom but we do not have enough schools to keep up with the growing school population. For years, parents have had to wait for schools and fight for them. My daughter is a teacher in St. Patrick's national school in Diswellstown. The school has a major issue with pyrite. For years, those involved have been campaigning to get it remedied. We can do that now. We can borrow to get that job done now. We have land ready to go for more than 800 houses in Churchfields in Fingal. We could build there tomorrow. That is ready to go. A scheme has already started there that will provide genuinely affordable housing. We do not have a single public swimming pool in Fingal. It is an absolute disgrace that in 2020 we do not have a single public swimming pool.

It is important to bear in mind that we are borrowing at extraordinarily low interest rates. In fact, they are paying us to borrow money. Surely, this is the time to invest in our community infrastructure, schools, hospitals, roads and public transport.

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