Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

They have been found in the small crumbs that trickle across the table to ordinary people who are struggling. They have seen higher charges for drug refunds, accident and emergency departments, and hospital admissions. Their medical cards have been means tested even at very low income levels. The Minister has hit those who are most vulnerable. People awaiting home care packages have felt the brunt of cuts before this budget was even thought of, but the Minister has now turned the screw even further. People talk about courageous decisions but this is not courage. Courage is about taking a brave road — taking decisions that may make one unpopular in the short term, but which build something for the future. These are not the decisions the Minister has made today.

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