John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I heard the Minister speaking about this on "Morning Ireland". The west has suffered long enough. If budgetary pain is to be imposed, it should be done so with some equity. The travel tax will affect all regional airports and it should be changed.

Earlier, I took a telephone call from a farmer in my constituency who was concerned about the reduction in the disadvantaged area grant. He stated his income for next year will be reduced by €2,500. Cutbacks are acceptable if they are fair and equitable. Many of those announced in Tuesday's budget were not.

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