Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The so-called higher paid, those pensioners who earn €35,000 a year, will now have to pay for a medical card. The Government should stop using that terminology, describing these people as higher paid. It is disgraceful and only adds to people's feelings on the matter. They are angered, traumatised and incredulous by what they see happening.

The Government needs to reassess where it is going with this budget or else reconsider its position. It must restore confidence in its ability to govern, which is under question. It needs to listen and deal with the issues and if necessary introduce a mini-budget to deal with the unimplementable issues. When the Director of Public Prosecutions says he is not sure he will be able to perform his duty in implementing justice, then we have a serious problem. It is not just Members on this side of the House who are concerned.