Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with comments from the other side that the devil is often in the detail. There are certainly difficult cuts in this budget. I do not think anyone expected that it would not be a difficult budget. At the end of the day, there were serious cuts to be made and there is no doubt that everyone will be affected in some way.

I welcome many of the positive stimuli, particularly in the area of job creation. VAT is something about which I have campaigned since I was elected. I campaigned to have different businesses in the industry embrace the VAT rate in the first place. It has been hugely successful. It is an initiative that the Minister for Finance implemented without being lobbied and the industry has responded very positively to it. I am very happy to see that it has been retained.

I also welcome the initiatives in the construction area. This should also have a very positive effect on the construction industry and both the tourism and construction industries have wide-reaching effects. Many people are affected by employment in those two industries so the initiatives are to be greatly welcomed.