Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It also, however, squanders taxpayers' money. Even though he is in charge of the OPW, it was interesting that the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, did not mention during his 45-minute speech any of the projects the Government is wasting millions on, including the bike shed, the national children's hospital, the security hut and houses for Ukrainians that have seen a 120% increase. Yet the Government tries to preach prudence and fiscal rectitude. This budget was supposed to be about giving people hope, but it does not. When the dust settles, people will see through this budget, like they have with all the others. They will see it for what it is: more of the same and less than we need. It will be seen as a Government that has no big ideas. Not one big idea was put forward in this budget by a Government that has all the resources. It is a Government that is incapable of delivering the change required. It is a Government and a budget that fail to deliver on the basic things, the things we should be taking for granted: having a roof over our head, healthcare when we need it, a wage we can live on and making sure our children are protected, secure and treated when they need that support at that time.

There is an alternative and we have shown that the alternative is there. The alternative is Sinn Féin and we will put our plans, our vision and our determination to the people. I say, therefore, to the Taoiseach: let us call the election, let us put this to the people and let the people decide who presents the next budget.

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