Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The challenge for this budget was how to tackle austerity fatigue which is dragging the country down while at the same time making sure we exit the bailout appropriately and on time.

I am not sure whether Members opposite share my view, but it is important to me that this country regains its sovereignty. It is important to me that this time next year, Fine Gael and the Labour Party are engaging in discussions on social democratic politics, for example, versus the politics of Fine Gael and its spending priorities, rather than dancing to the tune of the troika.

The bottom line is that we had a challenge in this budget to protect the most vulnerable while continuing to grow the Irish economy. It was a difficult balancing act. How would we take out €2.5 billion without damaging modest growth? How can we facilitate a return to the markets? How do we ensure we do not hurt people who are most in need? It was a difficult challenge, but the budget has succeeded in achieving that balance.

I have not heard mention thus far - it is something we are inclined to forget - that there was a major discussion as to whether the adjustment should be €3.1 billion or €2.5 billion. If the Minister of State does not mind, I will claim that as a Labour Party win. Without the reduction in the adjustment to €2.5 billion-----