Paschal Donohoe

I raise the importance of our economy and funding of public services, and a particularly vital public service referenced in the programme for Government. I do so from the seat in Dáil Éireann that I first pursued and held in 2011. While doing so, I offer some words of acknowledgement and thanks to those who have allowed me to be here and to discharge my duties. I thank the many communities of Dubl…

Deputy Bacik has to get a fourth one now. Keep going. I am looking forward to Deputy Nash now.

Yes

Thank you.

You are not lacking in ideology yourself, now.

I move: 1. THAT section 531AM of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (No. 39 of 1997), which contains the main charging provisions for Universal Social Charge (USC), be amended in the manner and to the extent specified in the Act giving effect to this Resolution, to include a reference to Section 847AA which provides for a scheme of tax relief for donations to certain National Governing Bodies (NGB)…

I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." We are here today to begin our consideration of the Finance Bill 2025, which will give the necessary legal basis to the decisions announced in the budget and make a number of other necessary changes to tax legislation. In budget 2026, the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and I announced a budgetary package of €9.4 billion, as set out in the summer econ…

That is a shameful accusation.

It is shameful - politics of the lowest level, Deputy.

This is below you.

That charge is below you and you know it.

You know that is below you.

This is politics of the worst kind.

Listen to what you have said, reflect on it and decide whether you think it is a charge worth making.

It is below you to make such charges.

Do you honestly believe I am making a choice between animal welfare and supporting families at risk of domestic abuse?

Answer my question.

You are not answering my question because you know that the charge is unfounded and unfair.

Do you believe I am making that choice?

I will ask you again. Do you believe the Government is making a choice between animal welfare and supporting families at risk of domestic abuse?

That is not the question I am putting to you. I am asking: do you believe we are making that choice?

I want to thank all the Deputies who contributed on this debate. I have stayed for all of Second Stage to hear the different views that have been raised and I look forward to dealing with these matters in more detail on Committee Stage, beginning in two weeks. I will now deal with some of the different charges and debates around the Finance Bill. As some speakers have recognised, this is the firs…

I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach pursuant to Standing Orders 103 and 188.

Introduction Budget 2026 will invest in our future while securing the jobs, prosperity and stability of today. It will tackle the serious challenges of meeting our housing and investment needs. At the same time, we are preparing for tomorrow. This budget builds up our resilience and will help us to adapt at a time of historic challenge and change for our economy and our society. This budget is th…

The additional revenue arising from the carbon tax increase is estimated at €121 million in 2026 and a full-year additional yield-----