P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

When I look at our two financial wizards, the two Brians, I am reminded of those famous black and white films in de Valera's time, when I was still going to school, of two fellows in black suits, one of whom said to the other: "This is another fine mess you have got me into."

In the current Taoiseach's budget speech last year, he stated the national development plan was his top priority. Postponing or delaying it would be "a major policy error", which would "damage activity next year and impair our quality of life in future". This is another fine mess. The Taoiseach also stated that the provision of medical cards for vulnerable families is a priority for the Government, pointing to the commitment in the programme for Government to double the income eligibility limit for parents of children less than six years of age and to treble it for parents of children less than 18 years of age with an intellectual disability. That puts a whole new meaning on the phrase "A lot done, more to do".

To remove the automatic entitlement to a medical card for those over 70 years of age is another example of the Government's maladministration. It bribed the electorate with this measure and wasted taxpayers' money in implementing it. The then Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, underestimated by half the numbers availing of this benefit. He had not consulted doctors before the scheme was announced and ended up paying them five times what they were paid for treating patients who obtained their medical cards after a means test.

It is not the fault of the over 70s that the then Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, did not read another of his briefing papers, with the result that the taxpayer had to shoulder the exorbitant cost of providing these "golden" medical cards. To remove this security from the elderly and possibly infirm in tough times shows a mean streak in the Government. It is exacerbated by the reduction to the standard rate for tax rebates on medical expenses. Does this apply to those who have worked to be in a position to pay their own nursing home costs, those who must pay for nursing home recuperation after surgery, those who do not want to enter the fair deal arrangement or those who employ a carer for an elderly relative? What a wonderful effort to protect the weak and vulnerable.

The Minister for Finance is proposing to raise an extra €2 billion from the hard-pressed taxpayer. A large portion of that figure is accounted for by glaring mistakes on the part of various Ministers, such as PPARS, illegal nursing home charges, electronic voting, the additional costs associated with medical cards for the over 70s, the "Bertie bowl", Thornton Hall, Punchestown, the Kenmare marina project, the M50 toll bridge and so on. Instead of suffering only a 10% reduction in their salaries, the Ministers concerned should have been sacked. Members may recall a television programme called "The Six Million Dollar Man". Now we have the Six Billion Euro Wasters.

Last week, I tabled a parliamentary question on the provision of roadside facilities for tourists travelling around Ireland in motor caravans. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism refused to answer the question, stating he had no official responsibility. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government did likewise. The Minister for Transport responded that it was a matter for the National Roads Authority. It is not only the construction industry and the banking sector that are in trouble; the tourism industry has had its worst year for a long time. If three Ministers choose to absolve their responsibilities rather than roll up their sleeves and get stuck in when times are tough, they can only be described as wasters.

This budget did nothing to stimulate economic growth and employment. It did nothing to promote tourism or agriculture. It did nothing for the people of west Cork. Farmers are faced with the abolition of the farm installation grant and the retirement scheme, with several other cuts likely to be revealed in the coming months.

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