Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe anyone comes into the political arena to cause hardship and suffering, particularly to those at the lower end of the socio-economic scale or people with disabilities. The optimist in me believes in the essential goodness of people, which is why it is so difficult to understand the rationale behind some of the cuts introduced by the Government. I am not using this occasion to engage in political point scoring or trade insults or derision. However, I must think back to the short time I spent in the previous Dáil when the current Government parties were doing to the then Government what those on this side of the House are now doing to it. I wonder what it adds to confidence in the political system. I know difficult decisions must be made, but what proportionality and fairness lie behind the cuts the Government is introducing? It is creating a more unequal society.

The decisions to be made come down to choices. There are always choices, but some of the alternatives receive no airing or recognition. It was very disappointing to hear that organisations such as Social Justice Ireland which wanted to make lengthy submissions only received approximately six minutes to make two proposals. Therefore, there was no real engagement with civil society groups. However, there was real engagement with powerful businesses, lobby groups, interest groups and employers and we see how successful they were. This can remain a low tax country, while broadening the tax base and reforming the tax system to make it fairer. There are taxes on income, but tax receipts can be raised elsewhere, for example, through the 12.5% corporation tax rate. Even a small percentage increase in that rate and a modest financial transaction tax would have taken the vicious sting out of the budget and the harsh, pitiless decisions to cut the respite care grant, child benefit and other allowances to the needy would not have been required. There are alarming figures for what is being lost to Ireland and other countries in the developed and developing world because of transfer pricing and we are allowing the country be a tax haven.

I acknowledge one positive aspect of the budget, namely, the role played by the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, in keeping the budget figure for the drugs task forces at 3%. I know there are challenges for these forces, but this is a positive move. I look forward to the Minister of State taking on the issues of the below cost pricing of alcohol and a tax on nutrition. These two measures would be along the lines of prevention. We must also stand up to the powers that be in Europe and not pay what is not our debt. I want the kind of society in which we live to be socially inclusive and fair. Ach ní dóigh liom go bhfuil an buiséad seo cothrom.

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