John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Sure I will take the half hour if I have to; I do not mind.

It is little wonder that the citizens of the country are furious, frustrated and in many cases worn down to a degree. Whenever I make criticism it is always measured. I do not criticise individuals, but I am here in opposition to hold the Government to account and that is what I have to do. The Government is completely disconnected from the thousands of people in struggling households who remain unconvinced after yesterday's massive exercise in PR.

People are appalled by the lack of urgency the Government is showing to the awful financial distress they are suffering. That distress was caused by spending cuts and tax hikes amounting to about €30 billion since the recession began. That is the equivalent of about €6,500 for each person. How can we talk about pay increases when the supposedly "emergency" universal social charge remains in place, while the health service in shambles, while schools are underfunded and parents with sick children are being made to jump through hoops for medical cards?

The Government has informed us that spending is up, that unemployment is down - I will deal with the unemployment figures in a few minutes - and that we are now in recovery mode. I accept that there might be a slight upturn in the economy in Dublin. However, if the Taoiseach came to the streets of Waterford city and many other cities-----

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