Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. He referred to the economic backdrop against which the budget was set. I am pleased to note that the projected growth rate for 2014 is 2% or more and domestic demand is expected to pick up. The target of achieving a general government deficit of 4.8% is prudent and in line with what has been long planned. It is also noteworthy that 2014 marks the first time since the crisis began that Ireland will achieve a small primary surplus. We are on our way back.

In the past two years, the focus has been on implementing and ultimately exiting the EU-IMF programme. On 15 December, we will give the troika a friendly but firm kick up the transom and our economic sovereignty will be restored. In the words of the great O'Neill, "Beidh lá breá gréine in Éirinn arís."

I welcome the response of Ryanair to the reduction in the air travel tax. While Michael O'Leary may make some people uncomfortable, fair play to him for paying his taxes in Ireland.