Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

If one is to exist in a reasonable fashion, one needs a roof over one's head, a good diet and warmth. They are basic and fundamental requirements. The Government has ensured that people cannot afford to put a roof over their heads. Most people are staying at home for far longer than they ever did before. When people manage to put a roof over their heads, they have to work longer hours at an exorbitant rate to ensure it stays there. They have to endure the constant worry that it will be lost. I could go through the 30 stealth taxes which have been introduced by the Government since 2002.

We also need to consider the compound effect of how much it costs to heat one's home. People will be put to the pin of their collar this year to meet the cost of that compound effect, on top of their mortgages. There was a very interesting programme on television last night, called "In Search of the Pope's Children". I compliment the producers and presenter of the programme. While it showed an Ireland that we all recognise, the combined effect of the programme was to show us that we are in a new Ireland. The fundamental things I mentioned, such as a roof over one's head, warmth, a good diet and a health service are still needed in the new Ireland. People need more than BMWs and yummy mummies.

See this speech in context