Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Government's actions today are creating a divided society. The gap between the haves and the have-nots is widening. Fianna Fáil could have chosen in its budget proposal to cut the top rate of income tax for the highest income earners, but it did not. We believe resources should, in the first instance, be directed to improve services for citizens and the quality of life of all. There are many waiting for services for unacceptable periods. People cannot get hospital appointments, yet the Government's response is to give a tax cut to high earners. Children are in overcrowded classrooms, but the Government's response is to give tax cuts to high earners. Critically ill people are waiting for medical cards, but the Government's response is to give tax cuts to high earners.

We need a programme for suicide prevention but the Government’s response is to give tax cuts to the high earners.

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