Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to point out also that the total amount of Government expenditure for the year is in excess of €91 billion, a not insignificant significant amount of money. Notwithstanding the difficulties that are there, I think everybody accepts from history, particularly in this country, that when governments try to chase inflation, it winds up in an inflationary spiral and everybody suffers. That is why it is so important that the once-off measures that have been taken are taken in the context of the overall budget package and will also be reassessed in the context of the summer economic statement, where the parameters for budget 2024 will be outlined. That will provide all parties in the House with an opportunity to lay out their priorities for the budget but also to make sure we do not wind up in an inflationary spiral. If we attempt to try to chase it, we know from the history of this country where that will land us and I do not think anybody particularly wants that.

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