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

Of course we need to do that. We have made efforts to do that in recent years and need to continue to do so. That is why changes with regard to carbon taxation continue to be essential. It is why changes that we will make in the time ahead to our PRSI system to ensure that our Social Insurance Fund is sustainably funded in the years ahead are really vital. As regards other things we need to do, that is why I have made the case over many years for running budget surpluses.

Imagine where we would be today if we were considering the economic risks we face and we were borrowing lots of money. The risks we are all about to discuss would be multiplied even further. Thankfully we are not in that position but as I said earlier, we also need to look at the investments we can make that deal with not only the needs of our society but also make us more economically competitive and sustainable. That work is currently being overseen, in particular by the Minister, Deputy Chambers as we look at changes we can make to our national development plan.

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