Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept the proposition. The Deputy has said the Government did not listen to the people once it was elected. I challenge that assertion. I was in houses with people who had put together mortgages and then found buildings were disintegrating with pyrite. I met the residents in the unfortunate case at Priory Hall. I met the Magdalen laundries people here and in England and we dealt with them. We have put in place a compensation scheme for those who had to deal with symphisiotomy. We listened to the medical cards issues raised by many Deputies. It is not a case of ignoring people's voices; rather, it is about listening to people and making decisions that can bring these things to a conclusion. In the case of water services, we have made two policy decisions and given directions to the regulator, that water for children is free and that there is a 30,000 litre allocation for households.

I accept that the current structure of the regime proposed for contributions is confusing. Having listened to the people and the anxiety of those who say they cannot afford to pay, have difficulties and are in particular categories-----

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