Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the three groups for their powerful presentations which made strong cases for those they represent and their hopes for the forthcoming budget. Hopefully, a start can be made to rectify previous cuts with this budget. Backbench Deputies will make the case for this but, ultimately, decisions are made at Cabinet.

Mr. John Dolan referred to the ratio of the adjustment being two thirds cuts versus one third taxation. The two parties in Government have different perspectives on how this can be done. Before the last election, the Labour Party presented a case for a 50:50 ratio while Fine Gael presented a 75:25 ratio. It ended up at a 60:40 ratio. This is the agreement which drives the series of bugets but we will continue to make the case for fewer cuts, along with the restoration of some services and grants that were previously cut.

The delegations have presented a long list of requests, particularly regarding senior citizens. It might be helpful if these were prioritised for us to present to the relevant Ministers later.