Mary White (Fianna Fail)

At the macro level, in 2005 the Irish economy will grow by 5.1% in GDP terms, employment will grow by approximately 35,000, unemployment will remain low at 4.4% and inflation, to keep us competitive, will hover at 2.5%. These are key indicators of economic stability and, as the Leader stated, of the new Minister for Finance continuing to keep the tiller steady after the departure of the former Minister, Deputy McCreevy.

The biggest issues facing young people in Ireland are the cost of housing for first-time house buyers and the cost of child care. Stamp duty relief has been provided for first-time house buyers. They will incur no stamp duty on second-hand houses costing up to €317,000 and will pay reduced rates on second-hand houses costing up to €635,000. That is a positive move.

I am aware there is only a paltry reference to child care, although Senator O'Meara said there was no reference at all. In page B10 in the budget——