The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform said that the expenditure estimates he is presenting as part of Budget 2017 represent increases of almost €4 billion since the country reversed the downward spiral in spending in 2014.
"Thanks to the sacrifices of the Irish people, we are back on the pathway to a dynamic economy and a just and fair society", Paschal Donohoe stated.
The Minister said his spending priorities - as set out today - are the staging post in the first of at least three budgets.
He also said that a "comprehensive" spending review by his department will be carried out in advance of Budget 2018.
"In the face of the worst economic and fiscal crisis in our history, the Irish people adopted a resolute and resilient approach," the Minister said
"In the same way, I strongly believe that we can rise to the challenge of Brexit and indeed that we can continue to build opportunity in all cases where others see risk," he stated.
