Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Is there an opportunity for the House to debate the question of whether austerity works? It is becoming increasingly obvious to everyone that it does not work. The last budget was the tipping point for the majority of taxpayers. With water charges and the property tax coming down the line, a further €2 billion or €2.5 billion remaining to be taken out of the economy, although on which no decision has been made, and taking into account the €300 million in savings that would have been made following the passage of Croke Park II, up to €3 billion will be removed from the economy. People will say that enough is enough and will not be able to take any more. Therefore, it is incumbent on the Government to determine how to introduce a comprehensive stimulus package that would make a serious dent in the unemployment figures.

There are two examples of such an initiative working. First, the reduction in VAT to 9% stimulated the hotel and restaurant industries, resulting in the creation of some 5,000 jobs. In the context of The Gathering, this initiative has proven to be of particular significance in expanding employment. Second, the car scrappage scheme increased the number of jobs in the motor industry by creating an economic stimulus. If the Government is seeking examples because it may be soft on this issue or because some of its economists are making flawed judgments, I have provided two perfect examples of stimulus packages working. Will the House debate alternatives in advance of the Government's discussion on the Estimates? Perhaps the Minister or Minister of State could attend the House. Will the Leader provide at least an hour's debate for this issue.