Seanad debates

Wednesday, 26 November 2003

Book of Estimates 2004: Statements.

 

Exam fees for the junior and leaving certificates are up from €72 to €82, a 14% increase. This from the party of the late Donogh O'Malley, the man who pioneered the concept of free education. Free education is a thing of the past. Inflation is running at 2% or 3% and yet ten-year passports have increased from €57 to €75 in one fell swoop, a 30% increase. Multiple entry visas have doubled, a 100% increase from €50 to €100. How can the Minister of State justify increasing something by 100% at a time when inflation is predicted – he probably boasts about this – at 2% to 3%? The Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, who should be here today, once served as Minister for Social Welfare. I recall sitting across from him in the Dáil when he announced the infamous "dirty dozen" cuts. Nobody thought that initiative could be superseded, but it has been. In this Book of Estimates, there is a cut of €458 million by way of so-called savings, amounting to 16 cuts across the board.

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