A radical multi-billion euro stimulus package to rescue the economy and a much greater State role in health and housing are at the centre of the deal largely agreed between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, said Micheál Martin. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin said the “principles-based” document agreed by the parties can lead towards single-tier health system and to the State acquiring properties for social housing and affordable housing. He said the recession will lead to a “toleration of larger deficits” to fund this stimulus package. “Economists globally are of view that austerity isn’t the way to deal with this crisis, the opposite actually,” he said. “I think there’s opportunity sector by sector to reconfigure how you do things and there will be a stronger focus on society and on quality of life,” said Mr Martin.

Source: Irish Examiner April 11, 2020 05:48 UTC