Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

They would like to be jobseekers but are not able. I welcome that the decision is to be reversed. The sooner the better.

The one-parent family allowance is also hit. I accept we had to take some hits. Education has also been hit. Free education, introduced by the late Donogh O'Malley, is long gone. We need educated young people if we are to regain confidence and pride, to grow our businesses and get our country back on its feet. Closing small schools is a retrograde step. Many of those who are Members of this House longer than me know what happens when small schools are closed. It is bad. Big is not wonderful or beautiful. Smaller intimate schools are better. They are also vital for farming communities as it keeps children in the area.

Carbon tax and home heating oil have been increased. The VAT rate was increased by 0.5% two years ago. That increase had to be withdrawn as it was a futile mistake. We are trying to grow our economy. I am a small businessman, as is a friend of mine in the Visitors Gallery. We know that this will not work. It will not result in raising €570 million. Business people will be hit hard by this.

The comments made this morning by the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, were disgraceful. He called us a dolly mixture.

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