Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the motion. Sinn Féin opposed the establishment of the rainy day fund because we believe that when the country is in the middle of a housing crisis with a healthcare service on its knees, schools crying out for funding, people scared to leave their homes because of a lack of gardaí and roads that are not safe, we do not need to put money away for a rainy day because we are in the middle of a rainy day. We need to invest in housing, healthcare, schools, gardaí, childcare and roads.

Ever since the rainy day fund was established, the Government has proved it is simply only good optics. No money has been transferred from the Exchequer into the fund. This is because even Fine Gael knows money is better spent elsewhere. We fundamentally disagree on where the money should be spent. While Fine Gael focuses on vulture funds, bankers and big business, I believe we should invest in people and services. We want to come out the other side of this pandemic and get back on our feet again. When we do so, we want the establishment of a united Ireland for everyone. With the launch of Sinn Féin's document on the economic benefits of a united Ireland, of which I have a copy if anyone would like to read it, we see it is the best way forward for our country.

Ending partition and uniting Ireland would open doors and create opportunities for all the people on this island, especially ordinary people. A united Ireland would be an Ireland for everyone. That is why I think we should put an end to the optics and to the rainy day funds that mean nothing, and that we cannot put money into anyway. Let us focus instead on creating a shared Ireland that works for the people. Instead of dismissing this idea, the Minister should read the document and he will see for himself that there is merit in our arguments, and that the best way forward for this country and this island is unity.

I heard Deputy Bruton describe financial matters and how the Minister is doing a great job. I represent the people of Cork North-Central. For 20 years, we were promised another hospital. This was a promise made on medical advice and based on the medical requirements and needs of Cork city, but we still do not have it - we have no hospital on the north side of Cork city. We have no northern ring road. We have no infrastructure to bring jobs to Cork North-Central. We cannot even get traffic calming measures. We have a huge waiting list with regard to children waiting for assessment of needs. We are looking for money. If we are going to have extra money and if we are going to invest, we have to invest in ordinary people to make a difference to their quality of life. I want to work with the Minister. I hope the Minister will take this document into consideration.

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