Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support amendments Nos. 3 and 4 in the name of Deputy O'Dea. I have great concerns about the broadening of PRSI to all types of income when one looks at what is actually being done in this budget. One of the benefits people had from their PRSI contributions was the bereavement grant. It is ironic that grant is being removed from people who had to make PRSI contributions to qualify for it. As Deputy Ó Snodaigh highlighted, people are paying more but are getting less. It was a particularly cruel, mean and devious act to remove the bereavement grant from people who paid for it. People do not mind paying tax and paying their contribution to society if they believe that when they are sick or in trouble or their families are in trouble, they are entitled to things. How low can a government go by abolishing the bereavement grant? It is outrageous. The irony is that even though the Minister has done that, the Sunday newspapers call her a wonder woman. It is amazing beyond belief.

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