Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

Through the Chair, neither I nor my colleagues will accept it. I do not want the debate to disintegrate into political muck-throwing across the floor, given the fact that people outside the Houses will be affected by these cuts. I understand that the Minister has a difficult job. I understood the same of all previous Ministers for Social Protection, but less understanding was given to them by our esteemed colleagues in the Labour Party while the latter were in opposition. I could cite the Labour Party's election manifesto, the programme for Government or an entire book of quotes from the previous Dáil and Seanad, but what benefit would it be to people whose rates have been cut? The programme for Government reads, "We will maintain social welfare rates".