Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One area that is very positive is the area of tourism. The retention of the 9% VAT rate has been universally welcomed and has the potential to create significant jobs.

The position is likewise in the agricultural sector, where significant investment will be made. I call on the Leader to organise a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, in the near future to see how we can leverage the agri-food sector to create even more jobs in future.

I would also like it if the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport came to the House because we need to look at and build on the successes of The Gathering and see how we can leverage the retention of the 9% rate and the abolition of the air travel tax. It was significant that last night Ryanair announced that it would provide an additional 130,000 seats in and out of the country from Knock international airport this winter. There is a real opportunity for us to market our tourism product in the UK.

One area about which there has been much discussion in the media over the past 24 hours is the threshold for medical cards for over-70s. I would ask whether it is wrong for our wealthier pensioners to contribute a bit more so that the under-fives and vulnerable families can have access to medical cards. I think there is nothing wrong with that and that it is fair and balanced. One thing this Government achieved is a potentially job-rich budget that is fair and balanced and addresses many of the difficulties that have faced this country for a number of years. The real proof of its success will on 15 December when this country exits the bailout and we will stand on our own two feet again still facing many challenges but with a country back in reasonable shape after a very difficult period. We will not attempt to apportion blame this morning.