Dáil debates

Thursday, 5 February 2009

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed)

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

Why did the Minister make no reference in his speech to curtailing the interest paid on mortgages to landlords which would have had a yield of more than €500 million? Why did he not make reference to bespoke pension schemes for directors?

Why did the Minister make so little reference to liquidity issues? Taking his point on the Swedish reference, including the wide guarantee restructuring, he did not mention the most important aspect, namely, the quick identification of the state of the assets which was made available to the Swedish public. It is the biggest stumbling block for the public in terms of what is to happen in the banking sector.

On a positive note, the Minister made reference to an bord snip nua. What about identifying a "bord snap" to examine all of the obstacles placed in the way by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Education and Science? Delays with regard to availing of any of the back to education or back to work special allowances are longer than 12 months. It is scandalous that one must wait so long before one qualifies for any of these measures. Every day, the Minister's letters are written to Deputies stating that even demanding a utility bill of a particular type can delay a person by months. Self-employed people must wait for the Revenue Commissioners before they can register for social welfare. The Minister has not commented on any of these matters.

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