Fine Gael will protect the economy and help make people’s lives better

Speaking today (Monday) at the start of the Fine Gael annual Parliamentary Party Think In in Co. Kildare, the Taoiseach outlined the priorities of Fine Gael to protect our economy and use it to make people’s lives better. 

The Taoiseach said, “The international environment is increasingly uncertain. Not just Brexit, but also the political uncertainty in the United States; the ongoing impact of the migration crisis; the continuing threat of international terrorism; and the weak economic performance in several EU Member States. All of these challenges and uncertainties underline the need for stability in our own country. 

“We are determined that this coming Budget will be guided by two core Fine Gael principles. Firstly, we will protect our economic security at this time of international uncertainty. And secondly, we will deliver on our core commitment to ensuring that a strong and well managed economy delivers real improvements in the daily lives of our people. 

“That will mean more teachers in our schools next year. It will mean more health service personnel; and more Gardaí on street. Specifically, we will have 11,000 extra children in our primary and post primary schools next year. To ensure that all our children get the best possible start, the Government will provide funding in the Budget for the employment of 648 extra teachers in 2017. That’s a real investment in our children’s futures.

“These principles are the cornerstone of the new Programme for Government. They are principles we are already putting into practice – in the Action Plan for Housing; in the substantial funding increase we have already approved for the health service; in our plan to make life better for the communities in the North inner city of Dublin; and in last week’s launch of the accelerated Garda recruitment.”