Joe Behan (Wicklow, Independent)

I thank the Labour Party, particularly Deputy O'Sullivan and Deputy Stagg, for giving me the opportunity to speak for 60 seconds on this Bill. They have been very generous in offering valuable time, because I know that time for discussion is coming to an end.

Deputies McGrath and O'Sullivan have their own distinct opinions, but I think they generally agree with me when I say this is an unfair, unjust and inequitable budget. The documentation we received outlines the income reductions on many of the poorest people in our society. As far as I am concerned, it is a charter for injustice. The Members who support this tonight will have to hang their heads in shame. Payments such as widows' pensions, carer's benefit, invalidity pension, disability pension, supplementary welfare allowance - the most basic payment for the poor - carer's allowance, disability and blind pension allowance are being cut. It is unbelievable that Fianna Fáil - a party that always stood for all sectors in society, especially the weakest - would for the first time in its proud history decide to attack the poorest people in our country. It contrasts vividly with the abject and unconditional surrender to the judges of this country, who are not being asked to make any contribution on a compulsory manner to the difficulties that this nation faces. That says it all. On that basis, I will not be supporting this measure tonight.

While I am grateful for the minute I received from the Labour Party to speak on this, it is not acceptable that three Members elected by the people to this Chamber should have to grovel and beg to get this time to speak on important issues. The three independent Members will continue to fight for our right to speak on issues such as this in the future.

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