Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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185. To ask the Minister for Finance the projected figures for net fiscal space in each of the years 2019 to 2023. [45681/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As I am sure the Deputy is aware, projections beyond 2021 have not been compiled or published. 

The current estimates of net fiscal space for years 2019 – 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 also wish to highlight 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.