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

I regard the contribution made by the Minister earlier as a smokescreen for what is a serious assault on the incomes of lone parents. It is clear that the package introduced in budget 2012 plus these proposals are a serious assault on the incomes of lone parents. She said she wants lone parents to become financially independent and removed from the poverty trap. It is absurd and ridiculous to suggest that by reducing the incomes of lone parents - which is what will happen under these proposals - they will become more financially independent and will be less likely to be poor. This is ridiculous. The Minister is also dishonest in her statement relating to taxation.

We oppose what the Government is doing with regard to taxation. It is specifically targeting middle and low income families through stealth taxes and ensuring these families pay in excess of their fair share while the super rich get off scot free. The CSO released two pertinent pieces of information recently that indicated the income and wealth of 90% of the population of this country had been reduced in the past number of years, but that the income and wealth of the top 10% had increased in the past number of years. In November of last year, a CSO report showed that the wealthiest 5% of people in this country had increased their assets by €46.5 billion in 2009 and 2010. Those people do not pay one ha'penny in wealth tax or in assets taxes. Low and middle income families are bearing the brunt of taxation from this Government to ensure that people who are super-wealthy do not pay their fair share. Ordinary people are carrying these people on their backs and they are doing it because this Government is imposing the taxes on them while allowing people to get off scot free.

See this speech in context