Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Another issue of importance was the safeguarding of class sizes for a third successive year. That is most important. There was much interpretation of pupil-teacher ratios. The budget has assuaged much fear and has calmed nerves. Hiring 1,400 new teachers for primary and post-primary schools is very important.

I welcome the construction initiative. It will weed out the black economy and will also stimulate the rural economy. The disabled person's grant and local authority home improvement grants are an important initiative for those in the construction sector who have seen an unfortunate dip in recent years.

Sinn Féin's €800 million wealth tax was puffed up. It was fairytale economics; it disappeared. It was like "Puff the Magic Dragon". There are Deputies in this House who subscribed to the second issue to which I wish to refer.

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