Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is only one Army and one An Garda Síochána in this country. I am very proud, as a mother of a serving member of An Garda Síochána. On a daily basis my son wears his uniform with pride and works to keep communities safe. That is why we must all protect those who serve our communities with dignity.

In 2011, Fine Gael and the Labour Party took on an unbelievable task. Citizens were leaving the country in their droves and our country was in crisis. However, by working together we led the way for the many changes that have happened: 194,000 jobs have been created; unemployment has been reduced to 7%; the universal social charge is being phased out; there has been an increase in the minimum wage and social welfare payments; the Christmas bonus has been reinstated; two free preschool years have been rolled out; two weeks paternity leave have been introduced; there are 2,500 extra teachers and 900 resource teachers; 79 schools will be added to the DEIS programme; and 30 schools in the programme will receive additional resources.

We appointed the first ever Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, provided €14.6 million for health and finally started the new national children's hospital project for very sick children across the country. GP medical cards for those aged under six have been rolled out and there is a network of primary care. We also have a new Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, the Rebuilding Ireland plan and an action plan for housing with a budget of €5.35 billion to 2021.

The Luas cross-city project is in place. We passed the marriage equality and children's rights referendums. In the past number of months many people have returned to live and work in the country. We all know the difficulties with recruiting doctors, nurses and many other professionals. However, on a daily basis we hear calls in the Chamber from Sinn Féin to tax the rich. Who are the rich? They are the doctors and nurses who have dedicated their lives to serving the many sick people in this country. God help us all if Sinn Féin-----

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