Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

It is about the take-home pay of many people who I represent and I am also affected. As I stated yesterday I do not mind taking a pay cut because I can afford it. However, people working in hospitals and schools, the Defence Forces, the Garda Síochána and other front-line services cannot afford to take this cut and they are at their wits end. I appeal to Senator Hanafin and his Fianna Fáil colleagues not to agree to this section, in particular the provision on the first €30,000 of income which is the fundamental matter. Do they think it is right that we should place a burden on those on €30,000 and less? Is that what they really want? Is the Government stating in this section that it is all right to pummel and prosecute workers but high earners can get away with it? If so, the Members of the Government should pack their bags and call an election.