Exchequer surplus and rainy day fund

Investing in the future

Sir, – “UK investor pays €31.5 million for Blackrock social housing” (News, April 20th). Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has already signed a 25-year rental lease for this 67-apartment development.

This could have been purchased for a half of 1 per cent of the €6 billion “rainy day fund”.

Does our Government not realise that it is raining now? – Yours, etc,

DAVID EARLE,

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Monkstown,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – What would a family invest an unexpected windfall in? The future! Renewable energy security for their home. Education and future housing needs for their children. Sensible ideas. But then parents don’t need to be re-elected every five years. Thankfully. –Yours, etc,

DAVID CURRAN,

Knocknacarra,

Galway.

A chara, – Figures show an expected budget surplus of €10 billion this year and the Government is planning to cut income taxes and boost welfare.

Might we say that years where there is a budget deficit is an example of regression towards the mean, while in years with a budget surplus it’s more regression towards the generous. – Is mise,

DERMOT O’ROURKE,

Lucan,

Co Dublin.