Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

Ba mhaith liom labhairt ar an mbuiséad tábhachtach seo. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to speak on this important budget at a critical time for the country's finances. We all know the budget was introduced in the context of a severe economic downturn, with income tax revenues down €6.5 billion in the current year. We must take cognisance of this fact.

While my colleagues and I agree that last week was difficult for backbench Deputies, I am greatly relieved by this morning's decision to change the budget measures on medical cards.

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