Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State and thank her for coming in to engage with us on the public expenditure side of the budget. Before I talk about some of the issues, I would like to put on record that the total spend is €109.3 billion. The projected source of that money for next year include: income tax, €38.8 billion; corporation tax, €34.06 billion; VAT, €23.6 billion; excise duties, €6.7 billion; stamp duties, €2 billion; capital gains taxes, €2.1 billion; and other taxes of €2.4 billion. That includes motor tax of €800 million, capital acquisitions tax of €900 million and customs duties of €600 million. It is not by accident that those moneys are projected to be made available. It is because of the hard work of the Irish people, first of all, the decisions of successive Governments, the entrepreneurial spirit of those who create jobs, start-ups and invest in this country, and the work of IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta. The IDA has a reputation worldwide for going out, engaging, lobbying and bringing foreign direct investment to this country. We have been through tough times before. I was a Member of the other House between 2011 and 2020. In the first few years, we dealt with difficult budgets. We had votes on making cuts. It is great to listen to the Minister and others talking about all the money we are projecting to spend but we have to remember where we came from and the decisions that allow us to be here. I also acknowledge we do not know what the future holds. We make projections. This time last year, we probably did not think there would be a tariff war. We do not know what situations we will face. It is always important to have money set aside. The Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund are necessary. By the end of next year, it is projected that there will be €28 billion in those funds and by the end of this Government's term, €40 billion. That is for threats that may happen in the future to allow for resilience.

A lot of positive measures were lobbied for. People mentioned education issues in relation to the capitation grant. The INTO has struggled on this for a long number of years and has raised this every year. I welcome the increase in capitation announced by the Ministers for Education and Youth and Finance yesterday. The record level of expenditure, in particular capital expenditure, on housing is absolutely necessary. I mentioned the VAT cuts yesterday so I will not mention them again today. As I have said often, every type of house and apartment is needed from private, cost-rental, social, affordable to approved housing bodies, downsizing, rightsizing and student accommodation. Every type is important to alleviate the situation we are in. I welcome the increase in the carer's allowance disregards. It was committed to by all parties, I think, before the previous election in manifestos. We gave a commitment over the lifetime of the Government. I welcome what has been done. The announcement on children's allowance is welcome. There is a focus on child poverty issues as well as the increase in home help hours and home supports for our elderly. The big issue is ensuring that we have people who can do that work. It is very valuable work. Additional gardaí, SNAs and commitments regarding the new DEIS+ programme are important. On childcare places, there has been a focus in the past few years on cutting fees, which is welcome and important for those who have a place but it is of no benefit to those who do not.In some cases, children did have places but the providers pulled out of the schemes, meaning they were left with a situation where they had a place but were paying the higher fees. Increasing capacity, which is the focus of this budget in respect of childcare, is certainly welcome. It is important because we know there is a need. Listening to other people talk about reduced fees is of no benefit to those who cannot get a place. I welcome the commitments and wish the Minister, Deputy Foley, well in delivering on them.