Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

I support the motion. I am astonished that the Government has taken the decision to attack under-privileged people. There are all sorts of ways to cut public expenditure and, to me, this is a foolish and heartless option. I cannot understand how the Government can justify the extravagance in which it indulges in terms of payments to Ministers, Deputies, advisers and Senators and at the same time attack those such as the under-privileged identified in the motion. There is no justification for doing so when waste in the public service continues. The Government must, if forced to achieve savings, look again at other areas which are sensitive or deemed to be sacred cows. I am surprised at the support for the cuts from the Labour Party which traditionally has been sensitive to the needs of those who are under-privileged, poor, under-educated, handicapped and disabled.

It is welcome that the Minister is prepared to review this decision, admittedly under pressure from the House, including Deputy Finian McGrath and Members on the Government side. It is imperative that he does so. This could be a lesson for the Government. I do not welcome, in political terms, that the Government has to be humiliated in this fashion. What astonishes me, however, is that it took this decision in the first instance. I find that surprising and do not understand it, as it is a crude decision and the wrong one. There are other areas in which there could be cuts. There are other sacred cows which could be looked at. I have continuously called on the Government to look at the waste in the areas which are so protected. I, therefore, plead with the Minister to reverse the cuts which will adversely affect Holy Cross school, Dundrum.

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