Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Our submission was solution-based. It was put forward in an attempt to assist the Government in achieving savings and introducing fair tax proposals that would assist it in meeting the budget deficit target. Sinn Féin agrees with Government on the need to close that gap.

This gap must be closed. Our proposals were made in an honest way. The difference between our proposals and what is contained in the Finance Bill and the budget is that we were trying to be fair and progressive. We were trying to protect low and middle income families and stimulate the economy and help job creation. If this does not happen the domestic economy will not move, and this has been well covered. Two weeks ago the Government had an opportunity to lift the Anglo Irish Bank debt off the shoulders of the public but instead we had high drama, which some would say was stage-managed, to galvanise the debt and nail it onto our backs and the backs of our children. This is to be regretted. The Finance Bill will not lift people out of poverty. Unfortunately, it will create more poverty, and I do not say this lightly. We have nine or ten months until the next budget and I ask the Minister to examine some of the proposals we have made and consider them. We believe they can help stimulate economic growth and help protect those on low and middle incomes who most need our protection.

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