Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That party concocted this whole scheme. I wish I could say I expected better from Fianna Fáil but the party of Charlie Haughey, Bertie Ahern, Ray Burke and Liam Lawlor has never, and will never, serve the best interests of this country. I am from west Dublin where I saw what happened with rezoning and speculation, so I would never expect anything better from that party. The people expected better, however, when they elected a new Government in 2011. They acted in good faith but they got more of the same - crushing austerity and failed neoliberal policies that have not worked, will not work, and which are driving our young people away. Those who are not driven into poverty through dole cuts are heading for Dublin Airport.

I recall the words of my fellow Deputy for Dublin West, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, who said that not one red cent extra would go into Anglo Irish Bank. What a lie that was. This Government has continued the same failed banking policies the previous Government undertook. Fine Gael members were cheerleaders for Fianna Fáil when the bank guarantee was introduced in 2008. What are the consequences of this failure to deal with the debt? Fine Gael and Labour have brought in their own dirty dozen cuts, including child benefit and the fuel allowance. In addition, the respite care grant has been abolished, while water charges are to be introduced. Incidentally, the Tánaiste, Deputy Gilmore, built his political career on opposition to water charges, yet he has turned heel and will bring them in. Property tax has been introduced, while jobseeker's allowance has been cut for the under 25s. The over 70s and people with disabilities are losing their medical cards. The mortgage interest supplement was scrapped along with Traveller education supports. Student grants and maternity benefit have been cut, while the mobility allowance was scrapped.

I hope the Minister of State and his Government are proud of themselves. As a Deputy and a citizen I reject their policies which are disastrous for this country, including the communities I represent. I stand full square behind this motion.

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