Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister correctly quoted the study of the European Commission in his remarks on annexe F. It relates to the period to 2011 and confirms the progressiveness of the measures until then. However, the ESRI found budget 2012 and budget 2013 to be regressive. I accept the Minister's point to the effect that overall the cumulative impact of the adjustments since 2008 have unquestionably been highly progressive. However, the Government clearly believes they were too progressive up to 2011 and has sought to unwind that somewhat in the past couple of budgets. It is indisputable that the impact of the past two budgets have disproportionately affected lower and middle-income families.