Brendan Ryan (Labour)

This is a case of running away from people. There was sufficient money saved in January to cover the 16 savage cuts in social welfare introduced by the Minister, Deputy Coughlan. Last January alone would have paid for them. An assault on the poor is being carried out to win an election.

I agree with Senator O'Toole about the prisons. It is an absolute disgrace that Fintan Lane was in jail for two months because he broke down a fence in Shannon while rapists and murderers are being released early. He was a political prisoner and this country should be ashamed of itself.