Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)

Is it any wonder that prices dramatically increase when our own natural resources are handed over to multinationals for free?

Despite the surplus of billions of euro, there remains a great deal of social injustice which has received little more than lip service from the Government. A recent report ranked Ireland as 29th worst out of 30 countries for investment in education. Just as we have a two-tier health system so we also have a two-tier education system. In central Dublin, where the office of the Minister for Education and Science is located, many of the children have the least chance of getting a university education. Some overcome great obstacles, through their own efforts and those of their parents and teachers, and achieve great things but most never reach third level, whereas in more affluent areas the reverse is the case. This is inequality at its worst.

The small rural and inner city schools must constantly campaign to achieve even the most basic of resources to help the children overcome disadvantage. Deputy Healy has stated that in South Tipperary over half of the national school pupils are in overcrowded classrooms. This budget will do nothing to address these issues. The State has again failed, and continues to fail, to provide the pre-schools that could make such a difference to these children.

People with disabilities must also continually campaign for basic human rights. Despite years of struggle there are still unacceptable waiting lists for respite and residential care. Deputy Finian McGrath has campaigned ceaselessly here for the rights of all those with a disability. He recently highlighted here that there are nearly 4,000 people with intellectual disabilities on waiting lists for residential and respite services. We Independent Deputies regard this as one of the most important challenges facing us.

Mental health problems are a major social issue that has never been given the priority it deserves on the political agenda. This Government in the past few days shamefully tried to divert attention from its responsibilities on this issue. The truth is that during nine years of Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats misgovernment, when so many millions of euro were squandered by incompetence and arrogance on electronic voting machines and the like, with no accountability whatsoever, funding for mental health services was reduced. It decreased despite the great need of a sector that deserves and demands our highest priority, yet there was not a single mention of this sector in today's budget.

These are just some of the issues and priorities that we as Independent Deputies have sought to highlight over the past five years. Had we been in the position of influence held by the Progressive Democrats, the 2% party, we would have ensured those issues had the highest priority on the Government agenda and that the necessary action be taken.

As we face a general election we will continue to fight for the rights of working people and of the most disadvantaged sectors. That is our commitment and priority.

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