Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

All Members understand the dire state of the public finances and that a budget was required. However, Members expected a more fair and balanced budget. Although there was an opportunity to address seriously the huge hole that has emerged in the public finances, it has transpired that this was an opportunity lost. Heretofore, the Government had no plan but now that it has one, unfortunately it seems to be a plan to fail. It appears to be a bookkeeping budget with no understanding of human costs and that will emerge in the coming months.

Members heard this morning about families because this budget constitutes an attack on families. It is an attack across the board, whether on those on lower or middle incomes, on mortgages, income tax, levies, child care and health care. Families who helped to build up this country and who are stretched seriously already are affected. When their pay packets are opened at the end of this month, people will find themselves to be not only in negative equity but in huge debt. That is the way in which things are going. The budget has been a blunt instrument and while a debate on it has been scheduled for tomorrow, it is important to debate it today, and I support the calls for such a debate.

There was no mention of jobs in the budget and I ask the Leader that, in addition to having a debate on the budget itself, there should be a debate on jobs and job creation.