Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I received an e-mail today sent to Deputies and Senators from a woman called Maureen. She expresses her disgust and concern at yesterday's attack on the disability allowance. She says that the €8 per week her daughter will lose will have a serious impact on her attempt to live independently with all the extra costs associated with living with a disability. She adds that the mantra that we must all share the pain is not a credible defence to this assault on the most vulnerable. She says shame on all who voted for this budget provision to pass and that it will be remembered at the next general election.

This social welfare Bill is not fair; it is unjust. After all the years we aspired to a united Ireland, we now have a divided Ireland because of this Bill. We cannot blame Europe. All our lives we blamed the British. The blame for the divided island lies fairly and squarely with those who have been in Government for the past 12 years. The only difference between the Minister for Finance and the famous highwayman Dick Turpin was that the Dick Turpin wore a mask.

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