Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

We see the hypocrisy of the Opposition, with the Labour Party talking about taxing the Celtic tiger high flyers. I wish there were some more people like the leader of the Labour Party who may be able to contribute if a wealth tax were brought in, but there are not.

My constituents are hung over with debt. They need answers. They need solutions. They will get them if a budget is passed. If we can restore economic confidence to the country and create employment we can restore the hope of the people outside this House. This Dáil is not helping to do that today. The Opposition is not doing it. This side of the House has to rise to the challenge also but we must talk about more relevant and interesting matters.

See this speech in context