Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am increasingly being struck by the tone, particularly from some Members of the Rural Independent Group, and the venom with which the word "tax" is used. It is extraordinary for a Deputy of the far left, such as Deputy Boyd Barrett, who I would have thought understands the role taxes play in providing public services on which our country depends, to do so. These are taxes that I know are difficult for many people to pay, but they are also taxes that pay for our schools, hospitals, and the public services that are essential to our society. They are public services that many people, whom the Deputy represents through this question, depend on and want to work well. They also know that the funding of these services plays a part in the services working well or better in the future.

In regard to the measures brought forward, I know they will never be enough for the Deputy. I know any measure that I bring forward, short of the collapse of capitalism, is a measure that he will be unhappy with and make a case against. However, these are measures that will help those who are experiencing real challenges, which we accept and understand. They will be implemented in the coming weeks, in addition to the measures that were implemented on 1 January.

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