Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

I reluctantly, but wholeheartedly, support the proposals. I heard the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, on the radio and I have read the document to see who is being hit the most and what protections are in place and I am satisfied that while no one will like it, it will not lead to an increase in the poverty rate.

Similarly, the public sector pay cuts will hurt many people but the mortgage protection measures the Government is putting in place will ensure people will not lose their homes.

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