Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)

We must ask whether the Government has a bias against rural Ireland only. In my mind, the bias of Government is against working people and the poor in general, regardless of whether they live in rural or urban areas.

It is disingenuous of the Fianna Fáil Party to pose itself as the champion of rural Ireland. It is a false and cynical attempt to create the impression that rural communities will suffer more than others as a result of the budget cuts.

Those who are genuinely opposed to the transfer of the cost of the crisis, from the elite who caused the crisis onto the backs of the working people and the poor, have no interest in creating a false division between rural and urban communities. The task is to unite all communities and groups affected to fight back, put an end to the austerity that is destroying jobs and social and community services, tax the wealth and assets of those on very high incomes, as addressed by my colleagues, and invest in jobs.

My last point is on the Government's amendment. Last week, Deputy Pringle stated the Government's amendments are direct negatives of the original motions and, therefore, contrary to Standing Orders. This matter needs to be dealt with if the Government is to fulfil its promise to make debates and proceedings of the House more relevant. While I will not be holding my breath, I ask the Ceann Comhairle to determine whether amendments are contrary to motions or part and parcel thereof.

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