Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

With respect, there is only one group of people who are insulting the motivation of young people, and this is the group of people who are stating that their social protection must be cut to get them to work, because this is the logic being used. The Minister, Deputy Howlin, stated yesterday that he was pleased to announce that there was to be no reduction in the basic social welfare rates for people of working age. He then announced a reduction in the basic social welfare rates for those aged under 26. Are people under 26 not of working age? I am confused. This morning on national radio the Tánaiste added insult to injury by stating that this was not a cut. In doublespeak worthy of George Orwell he explained it was not a cut but that the Government was simply extending lower rates to these people. It is extraordinary stuff.

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