Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This example points to the deep inequity in the budget announced yesterday. It is remarkable that this inequity has received little mention in the past two days. The only conclusion one can reach is that this is because people in the political and commentator classes belong, by and large, to the 18% of the population who pay tax at the top rate.

The budget was presented in a misleading manner. It represents what the Government considers to be its priorities which do not include taking care of society or trying to redress the damage done. Instead, we have a political budget which favours those who are better off.

See this speech in context