Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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The human rights standards which apply in this State are largely, thought not exclusively, internationally underwritten and well understood and defined. I accept that they may, however, be honoured more in the breach in this jurisdiction. There is nothing subjective in respect of these issues.

The difficulty which has arisen in respect of any number of budgetary decisions is that they have not taken cognisance of equality impacts. I will provide an example. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, thought it was a good idea, and made a policy decision, to take the scalpel to DEIS schools. In fairness, he subsequently rowed back on his decision because what was being done was manifestly unfair. The analysis carried out in respect of lone parents clearly indicates how disproportionately they and their families have been affected over a number of budgets. We do not have a rigorous assessment of equality impacts and outcomes in respect of budgetary decisions. Such an assessment simply does not exist. I did not table these amendments because they would facilitate the completion of the framework for equality budgeting - for which I am an advocate and which I support - I did so because this Administration cannot legitimately exclude itself or the critical process relating to the budget, which involves decisions on spending in crucial areas which affect people's lives, from the commitment it gave in its programme for Government in respect of requiring all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in carrying out their functions. Such an approach does not make any sense and, in those circumstances, I do not accept the Minister's response. I can only infer from his general demeanour that he is somewhat defensive about this matter.