Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

We have maintained and expanded that and will continue to do so. The Bill will give effect to the major tax and fiscal aspects of the budget and will build on the substantial achievements of the Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats Governments since 1997. Last year, the Government was denigrated by the Opposition as being uncaring and bereft of vision. We were criticised for taking hard decisions, but as the passing of time and current economic indicators show, we were right, because we were responsible. Rather than surrender to the quick fixes and short-term soundbites of the Opposition——

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