Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is nonsense to suggest that people were elected on any one issue. People were elected because of concerns across a range of issues. They wanted to see people getting back to work. They wanted those on welfare who had not received increases for eight years to receive such increases. This Government is providing a response in respect of many of the issues that were raised during the election campaign. We all recognise that we did not get a majority. No one got a majority and we have to work together to develop fair solutions. This Government is delivering fair solutions for welfare recipients who had not received an increase for eight years, for people who are getting back to work and for investment in education, particularly in the context of disadvantage and in the area of special education. We are providing solutions.

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