Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman is very kind.

Senator Michelle Mulherin referred to the competing interests in public services. That is so; there is no two ways around it. The Brexit loan scheme for businesses is a really good measure. I had experience of it in the farming sector.

A total of €1.8 billion was also collected in rates, so there are the sums of €3.4 billion plus €1.8 billion. I forgot about that.

I am really pleased about the pupil-teacher rate, which will be the lowest ever. Let us not pretend it did not happen. It did happen. These are really good things that are happening.

Senator Dolan spoke about 1,200 people with a disability in nursing homes which is really disappointing. We have increased the health budget by €685 million, however. It is the highest it has ever been. However, I am not certain that we are getting the maximum value from it. Senator Devine might be correct in that regard. I always note, however, when we talk about the health budget, that unless sectors are prepared to give an inch, the health sector, in particular, we will not get the best value. I have seen this from the time I went into politics. No one gives an inch in health, which is wrong because people suffer.