Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I will stand up for the people and for the disabled and senior citizens. My record speaks for itself, which is why I am here for my third term

It is time for this Government to get off the stage and to look objectively at the facts with regard to this budget. The ESRI, a non-political body, examined the budget closely and it stated that its examination of the impact of cuts and taxes shows that the better-off took the smallest hit. Look at the impact of the 2012 budget. It is clear that the greatest reduction in income is for those on the lowest incomes, a fall of from 2% to 2.5% for the poorest 40% of households. This compares with the fall of close to 1% for the next 40% and there is a 0.8% fall for the top 20%. In other words, even those who speak objectively say the Government has cut the weakest sections of society the most. It should be ashamed of itself.

I received a letter this morning from the principal of a disadvantaged school on the north side of Dublin who pointed out the real world for him. First, some 250 teachers in disadvantaged primary schools are to be transferred out to solve the increased pupil levels nationally. In other words, in his school, the pupil teacher ratio of 15:1 has gone to 22:1 and the principal's non-teaching post has been lost. The learning support system has been changed. The support teacher scheme is no longer in place, as confirmed by the Department. As a result of the cuts, the number of staff is down to 4.4. This is a very disadvantaged school on the northside of Dublin. Those in government who talk about protecting the vulnerable and the weak in society conned the people when in opposition and they are conning them again in government.

The Minister said in respect of disability services, that the cut was only 2%. However, I have information from disability groups that in some areas the cut is 4.7%. I will return to this issue.

I urge the Minister not to take carer's allowance into account in assessing social welfare applications or government services. Carers are also being attacked. I urge the Government to change its mind because we will fight this decision to the very end.

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