Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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91. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated fiscal space available in 2019 to 2021 following budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44806/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The current estimates of net fiscal space for the years 2019 to 2021 are set out below. It is important to stress that the figures, as always, are work-in-progress estimates and will evolve over time.

I want to highlight, however, that the economy is now on a path towards full-employment. In these circumstances, I will not jeopardise our recovery by adopting pro-cyclical fiscal policies that overheat the economy and put our future livelihoods at risk. Instead I will focus on the appropriate stance of fiscal policy.

In other words, I will focus on what is right for the economy and not on what is legally permissible under the rules. In this regard, I want to assure the Deputy that the Government will not repeat the mistakes of the past by adopting inappropriate taxation and spending policies for short-term gain that have involve major long-term pain.

Steady, incremental and sustainable budgetary policy is the way to improve our living standards and that is how I intend to decide and implement policy.