Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

——Aer Lingus's withdrawal from Shannon Airport against the wishes of my party and the House.

One of the meanest cuts was in the road safety budget. Last weekend, seven citizens died in car accidents. We have been calling for a speed camera system. Some 11 years ago, the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, stated that Ireland would get a speed camera system. It would have cost £25 million then. We are still waiting because it is not referred to in the budget.

The budget is outrageous and unacceptable in that it targets the most vulnerable, low and middle income families. They are carrying the can for the disastrous mistakes of the Taoiseach and Charlie McCreevy. The budget shows that Fianna Fáil and the Green Party are out of touch. While it would be difficult for every Deputy, there should be a general election.

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