Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to propose an alternative in this Chamber today in the name of Deputy Michael Healy-Rae who has represented County Kerry in this Chamber for many years, and on Kerry County Council for many years before that. I believe he is well capable of carrying out the task because he has the understanding of the people.

Like me, he knows what the people need and what they are concerned about.

I believe we are the only alternative group here in the Dáil on many occasions. We have proven that. I agree with Deputy Burke, who said that democracy should not be taken for granted.

First of all, I wish Deputy Varadkar well and good health long into the future.

In the recent referendum and canvassing generally for our three local election candidates in Kerry, I have never seen people more angry or disillusioned. Farmers see themselves being vilified and targeted here every day. Even last year, the Minister, Deputy Ryan, ensured the Luas - nine carriages - was painted white, advising people not to drink milk. I ask each and every one here today what would we be like if our mothers did not give us milk after being born and when we were growing up. It is ridiculous, like the suggestion that one car would do 30 people in a community and that we should bring moves into the countryside. That kind of carry-on is what Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have supported for the past four to five years.

Businesses are closing. In Killarney, another restaurant has closed today because of the increase in VAT and energy and rates costs. The Government has failed completely on housing.

In the immigration debacle, more than €2 billion has been spent. The Government even spent €860,000 to bring dogs and cats into the country for these immigrants. The Government is squandering money, and yet those who are out in the morning working are paying 40% tax and 4.5% USC charges.

In health, we cannot even get doctors. You can get a vet quicker into any farm than get a doctor in the evening or at weekends. It is a sad state that sick people cannot get a doctor.

We saw in the recent referendum where there was a consensus between all the parties, including Sinn Féin, which seems to be overlapping and lining up to go with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

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