Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

This is not a question of roaring, shouting or screaming. It is a practical and seriously difficult problem for the country, particularly for low and middle income families. Economic advisers have clearly said that if we continue to pay under this schedule, it will be impossible to renegotiate. I worry, too, about the reference to interest rates. As Deputy Doherty said, the economists have also indicated that dealing with the interest rate is effectively irrelevant in the long term. We must deal with the capital repayment and deal with it now. Surely it is time for us to stand up for ourselves and state we cannot and will not pay.

See this speech in context