Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In respect of events in the past week, particularly the budget, over the past four to five years there has been a growth in employment and a resulting inflow to the Exchequer. There are benefits for every taxpayer. I have done an analysis of a married couple with two children and one earner with an income of €50,000, and find their net gain through reduction in income tax is €40 per week, compared with 2015. That is €2,000 less income tax per year as a direct result of good economic management by the Ministers, Government and the Taoiseach.

We face a challenging time with regard to Brexit. There are many major decisions to be made in the next few weeks. We all have a contribution to make. We should have a debate in this House on Brexit and get all the relevant information. It is not a question of this country alone but the entire island of Ireland.As a part of that we should have a debate about our colleagues in Sinn Féin and their refusal to take their seats in Westminster. This is a crucial time for the island of Ireland, and Sinn Féin can have an influence on the decision that will be made-----