Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In terms of poverty, I do not know if the Deputy had a chance to look at the presentation given to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection two weeks ago. Almost uniquely, we have gone through the most difficult economic environment in our history while reducing inequality.

No other country - not Greece, Portugal or Spain - reduced inequality. That is because we sustained base social welfare payments, which have now increased as a proportion of total expenditure. I know these issues do not suit Deputy McDonald.

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