Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----but that is my clear position. I remind Deputy Dowds that the Independents will always hold the Government to account and challenge it on issues. As was seen last Wednesday night, however, we will also put forward constructive proposals, for example, on mortgage arrears. I believe the Minister is seriously examining those proposals at the moment. A year ago, I introduced the Down's Syndrome (Equality of Access) Bill, while a few months later the Government gave resource hours to children with Down's syndrome. I do not care if Government TDs want to run around with flags and hold up their gold medals because they are implementing something I agree with. As long as it is done, I do not care.

Independent TDs are different. Not only do we hold Ministers to account, but we also put forward sensible proposals. That is why many people are looking to credible Independents as an alternative to political parties.

All we got this week, however, was a sort of self-delusory lap of honour and statements that sounded like an election stunt. There have been more big promises and misleading statements. There was no mention of those who have suffered, including people on trolleys, the unemployed, low-paid workers or Cadbury staff whose jobs are under threat. Neither was there any mention of the cut to the respite care grant or other cuts that destroyed many people in this State. This is another view that the Government might not want to hear.

On top of that, there was no acknowledgement of the huge hurt and pain imposed on weaker sections of society. We need to stop this kind of nonsense and face reality. Those using the current buzzwords concerning the economy, should look at the facts and the broader economic arguments and issues. The OECD and World Bank, as well as the Government's friends in the IMF and TASC, have all said that gross income inequality is growing. That has been identified as a serious impediment to future economic growth. I will come back to that point later in discussing what is currently happening to the staff at Cadbury in Coolock.

I live in the real world, but this Government needs to wake up and see what is happening.

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