Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

It is a fact, and of course we acknowledge it. Given the reality of our finances — tax income is down at least €6.5 billion this year and next year we will face a deficit of €13 billion to keep our economy afloat and look after the less well off in society — the Opposition should acknowledge that the Government is doing a good job. Regarding the Bill, the minimum the Opposition could have done was acknowledge the large increase the Government provided in the budget.

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