Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I ask the people making that call to reflect on three questions. The first is what the call means. Are they encouraging people to storm the Department of Finance, other Departments or institutions of State? They must clarify that.

The second question is what it will achieve. An election is on the way following the passage of the finance Bill, whenever that may be. That gives people the opportunity to express their dissent and dissatisfaction. In other countries where organised civil disobedience took place all it resulted in, in many cases, was the death of innocent bystanders. Do we want to light that fire in our country? The answer on behalf of responsible people is "No".

The press statement issued by the union indicated that it would pursue a similar campaign to oppose the plan, if implemented. The two main Opposition parties on this side of the House are committed to implementing elements of the plan and to finding a way to deliver the objectives of the plan.