Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I do not write the headlines. I would say that it has not been adjusted for many years, and there is considerable feedback on it and it is part of the overall consideration. The predominant focus of our tax package will be making sure there is a progressivity at its core and equity in the context of the other issues identified by the Deputy around housing. I want to make further progress in areas to support renters, for example. We want to do more when it comes to capital expenditure on housing and ensuring we drive affordability of housing in our economy. I agree with everyone who has said that it is the central issue and that doing more to advance housing supply and affordability in housing is the key issue of today. That sets the wider context of how decision points were taken on budget day. The Deputy raised other public policy considerations, and for the Government there are obviously choices just as there are choices in any given budget. For this budget, which is my first and this Government’s last, it is to ensure there is progressivity at its core. I think that will be reflected in the tax package we set out. I know it is similar with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, and has been demonstrated to date when it comes to policy considerations and public expenditure and the core growth in areas like health, social protection and other areas. That is the context in which we are making decisions.