Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I have dealt with this issue already in the House this morning. I am very clear the Government is focused on fulfilling the programme for Government. It is an important point that Government must always be about policy and substance, not necessarily about personalities. I have already instanced the planning Bill, which the Deputy has complained about, on the delivery of a whole range of projects. That should be completed before any general election. The future fund Bill which was passed through Cabinet is probably the most important and significant long-term legislative initiative of any Government in a long time and will provide for the future by allocating 0.8% of GNI to cover pensions into the future, as well as to cover healthcare costs and infrastructure that will be required. When, say, times get bad, we always cut capital. The whole idea of the future fund is to make sure, in infrastructure and climate, that we do not ever have that situation if we can avoid it. It ensures we maintain capital levels right on even in the middle of a recession if we provide enough money now. That Bill will enable us to give some mechanisms to future proof our society and our economy. That is a very noble thing to do-----

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