Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Our over 70s will take what is coming when they know the great savings that will result for the economy.

Fine Gael proposed €700 million in savings, which would result in the closure of three hospitals and the loss of 10,000 jobs immediately. I am glad we are not doing that.

I refer to the 1% income levy. I have three children employed at the lower end of the salary bracket — they are all in training. None of the three have told me that the levy is a bad tax because it is not. My daughter pointed out that it is €1 in every €100. As they would not normally pay tax, they do not mind paying the levy. I imagine that my children are no different than anyone else's and that there are many more young people like them.