Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I am delighted to have this opportunity to say a few words on a remarkably flat and latterly almost boring occasion. It was a simple listing of events that had taken place in the course of the year, with no imagination, flair or real hope for people. For example, there was very little in the budget for the 20% of the population identified in the recent Deloitte and Touche report as being fuel-poor, those suffering from energy poverty. The occasion was curiously flat, and even allowing for the pre-arranged standing ovation started by Deputy Cregan and back bench colleagues including Deputy Kelly, it felt like a day in which we were going through the motions, with very little new to discuss. The Government was simply trundling on towards the general election.

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