Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government increased the level at which people paid the higher rate of tax, taking thousands out of the income tax net. It reduced income tax at the highest level. The return in income tax which will take effect in pay cheques in January will, in one year, far outweigh the contribution to be made to Irish Water.

Deputy Mick Wallace referred to protests. I would have thought the Deputy, as a man of the people who has stood on many building sites, would dissociate himself completely from what happened over the weekend: homophobic remarks, taunting, vicious language and kicks and belts given to completely innocent people. If that is what he stands for and they are the people for whom he speaks, he has lost the support of the people. People with different political agendas descended on the Tánaiste’s car like hounds after a fox and it was disgraceful. Deputy Paul Murphy addressed the nation and said it was fine and peaceful and happened behind the Tánaiste’s car. He would not like to be hemmed in by a baying mob for two and a half hours. He should have the courage and gumption to apologise unreservedly to the Tánaiste for what he caused over the weekend in Jobstown.

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