Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

I will not lecture anyone, particularly those listening at home to this debate. This is a genuine attempt to highlight the issue. Most people who have not paid the household charge believe it is unjust and unfair. The majority of those who have contacted me on the issue say that is why they have not paid it.

I missed the debate last night because I was meeting groups dealing with the effects of poverty. They told me - the ESRI backs up the claim - that the last budget was the most unfair budget for those on low incomes that had ever been introduced by a Government.

See this speech in context