Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Martin on the medical cards issue, which I have raised with the Taoiseach many times to no avail.

Today, however, I want to ask him about his announcement on the water tax. I noted once again that he had gone to the media with this announcement as opposed to coming into the Dáil to discuss it. Let us be clear: from what we know, this is a water tax. It is Fianna Fáil policy and totally contrary to the stated policy of the Labour Party. It is the latest in a series of taxes the impact of which will be greatest on families on low and middle incomes. These families will have to pay, at the very least, €240 each year. At least 1 million households will be forced to pay this water tax despite having no meter. The parties which support this — Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Labour Party — must take full responsibility for the added tax burden that will be placed on struggling households on top of the family home tax, the septic tank charge, the carbon tax, cuts to child benefit and cuts affecting carer's allowance and medical cards.

The media briefings by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, the Taoiseach and the Labour Party could be presented as a modern version of Dean Swift’s A Modest Proposal, but there is nothing modest about the Government's proposal. There is nothing eloquent about its media spin and nothing satirical. The Government is deadly serious. Does Fine Gael believe the people are stupid? Does it believe they do not see what is happening and that they are fooled by the claims it is making? This shows just how far removed the Government is from hard-working families and vulnerable citizens. Whatever about the Labour Party's position, Fine Gael knows this figleaf will not cover the Labour Party's blushes. Is it not the case that the Cabinet's manoeuvring in recent weeks on this issue had nothing to do with relieving the burden on vulnerable citizens or bringing about safe water supplies and all other necessary services? Is it not very clear that this was all about the elections and public anger at the Government's duplicity?

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