Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I do not know if the Minister disputes the findings of the credit union survey we cite quite often, which showed that 1.6 million people have less than €50 at the end of the month after essential bills are paid. If such people could access the €750 we are talking about, they would have an additional €50 at the end of many months. The question is whether the Minister for Finance should try to reduce the burden on these people. I do not agree with the idea of introducing this additional burden, even if it is just €150. I think we need to reinvent how we do third level education. I listened to Deputy Twomey, who made some valid points. As a doctor, he asked why doctors who get good salaries should not have to repay part of what was contributed towards their education. Should I have to pay for my primary education, given that I learned to read this Finance Bill, to add and to subtract at primary level? Deputy Twomey learned how to carry out his work as a doctor at third level. I learned the skills I use at primary level.