Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

The SSIA scheme has delivered a savings culture in this country. Deputy Bruton said at the time that this scheme, upon maturity, would lead to rampant inflation, but this is simply not true. Over 60% of SSIA holders have kept their SSIAs and maintained their savings record. Yet in 2002 and 2003, Deputy Bruton wanted to cap them and scrap them. That is another ill thought out policy that has been proven wrong.

In the statement released this week by the Government, we have given priority to the areas of health, education and social welfare.

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