Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

I am glad the Tánaiste's backbenchers recognise those quotes which, of course, are taken from the Labour Party election manifesto. They formed the basis on which the Labour Party was given its electoral mandate almost one year ago. Two Labour Party Ministers are now presiding over the sell-off of key elements of Ireland's energy companies, possibly Coillte and the remaining State stake in Aer Lingus.

The Government's record in the past year has been deplorable. It has cut teachers from schools, nurses from hospitals, social welfare payments and community employment schemes.

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