The Government has introduced tough measures in the Supplementary Budget but these actions are being taken with the future economic recovery of the country in mind, according to Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary.
“We are going through one of the most difficult economic periods in the history of the State,” he said. “First and foremost it is vital that we restore Ireland’s competitiveness so that we are ready to take advantage of all opportunities that are presented to us when the world economy recovers. This means a reduction in our spending. The Government has put in place a six-step plan to renewal that includes a range of measures, some of which will take effect now and some which will be introduced over the coming years,” said Deputy Calleary.
The six steps are as follows: stabilising public finances, restoring the damaged banking system, regain competitiveness, protect jobs and retrain the unemployed, stimulate the economy and restore our reputation abroad.
“We must stabilise our public finances and this includes both a reduction in our spending and an increase in the income levy that was introduced last year. The Government has done its best to ensure that the measures are evenly distributed, and that those who can afford to pay will pay most, and those who can least afford to pay, will pay least.
“I welcome the measures that have been introduced in relation to Oireachtas members’ salaries and expenses. It is important that we lead by example and it is only right that savings are made across the board in every Government department.”
Dep Calleary said the Government had done its best to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are protected. “Because of the banking crisis that we have witnessed over the last number of months a range of measures in relation to the banking sector have also been introduced in order to ensure that confidence can be restored.
“It is vital that we protect as many jobs as we can while restoring competitiveness. A range of measures to help retrain people who have lost their jobs are being introduced. Wages and prices are already adapting to the new economic realities and this will stand to us,” he added.
“The country will come through this recession. We must do what we can to support each other in our local communities and I am available to assist people in anyway I can,” Dep Calleary concluded.
