Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Taoiseach about the last Government. Tá ceist shoiléir ann. Cad é an difear idir an Rialtas deiridh agus an Rialtas seo? I also agree that one should not believe everything written in newspapers. I know that from personal experience. I can see what is written in the Fine Gael-Labour Party programme for Government, which promised to build a fair, socially inclusive and equal society. I can also read what was said in the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, report which stated that the last two budgets were the most unfair since the start of the crisis. In 2012 and 2013 the Government's budgets made low- and middle-income families pay for the crisis while leaving those with enormous wealth relatively untouched. Why not introduce a wealth tax or a third band of income tax for high earners? That would be fair.

The Taoiseach talked about fairness. Why not ring-fence education and health spending and invest in job creation? That would make social and economic sense. The truth is that austerity is not working, except for the elite.

The Taoiseach's answer was not clear. Is the Economic Management Council meeting today? Will the Taoiseach try to give some assurance to the people listening to us that budget 2014 will protect low and middle income families and place the burden on those who can pay? In other words, those who can pay more, should pay more.

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