James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will start by saying we had enough excitement with boom-and-bust budgets. Boring is good enough for me because the excitement of boom-and-bust budgets was not much fun for the many of our citizens who suffered as a consequence of them.

I very much welcome the increased money for education. The importance of education to our future needs no further debate by me. People understand that. I welcome the child care increase - it is important that it is focused in the manner outlined in the budget - to providers so that Government can have a say over standards and some control over costs.Of course, one would like to do more but we have just come out of the most serious economic recession the country has ever endured. I welcome, therefore that there will be an additional €130 million or €145 million for child care. I really welcome the money allocated in respect of health and I hope the reforms continue in the area. As stated previously, money alone will not cure that problem. Senator Devine spoke about putting our money where our mouth is. In that context, specific money is being allocated in the area of mental health. The issue has been taken very seriously by this Government for some time.

There are changes in the universal social charge that will give some small relief to hard-pressed workers. We would love to do more. There is money for roads and infrastructure. I was especially glad to hear that metro north is still on track and the money for that will also be forthcoming.