Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We mentioned the rainy-day fund, which needs further examination. We also need a much clearer debate on what is constituted by it and what its rules might be. We also need future-proofing in other areas, such as procurement, in order to protect our policy options. I have spoken to the Minister of State, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, about this matter. In addition, we require equality-proofing, which is a fundamental commitment in our budgetary process. Shockingly and unfortunately, however, there is no mention in the summer economic statement of equality- and gender-proofing. I would like to see that commitment deeply embedded because it is the seed for our future.