David Norris (Independent)

I listened yesterday evening to the budget debate and this morning to some extensive discussions in that regard. I also heard many people complaining, which is natural, given some have been badly hit. It was harrowing to listen to people document how much they have lost and how little they will have to live on. I believe Members on all sides empathise with this. I was struck to hear people such as Mr. Colm McCarthy and a number of international commentators, give a guarded welcome to this budget. They suggested that although it was tough and cruel and something nobody wanted to do it was a move in the right direction. This country is almost bankrupt and these strong measures were necessary.

While I welcome much of that contained in the Budget I do not welcome the reduction in tax on alcohol. I believe this is a disastrous measure. I listened to a Minister suggest there is no correlation between the price of alcohol and the diseases provoked by it, which goes completely against all known scientific evidence in this regard.