Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, there is a complete misrepresentation being put forward by the Opposition, which is this monopoly on concern and compassion. It has been made very clear by Government. Deputies heard from the Taoiseach's speech today and from the contributions of all Ministers the options that are being put in place to support people around the time period of six months. The six months was used to provide more solutions. Solutions exist today in my county that did not exist six months ago. We should not, therefore, try to debase or reduce this debate to one about who cares more about people. That does not serve anybody. That is the worst of Punch and Judy politics.

Why are we having this debate? We are having the debate because the Labour Party decided to table a motion of no confidence in the Government, as is its right. It is a party for which I have great respect. It is a party that has positively contributed to politics and to Government. It is a party of which five of its existing seven Deputies have served in government and served in government with my own party. Sadly, today, it is choosing to try to compete with the populists and that is not a good place to be. We have come a long way from Gilmore for Taoiseach and from a party that aspired to lead a government to one that is now more concerned about its colleagues on its left and right-----

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