David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not actually an emergency at all. It is a chronic situation brought about by austerity and most international financial thinkers agree this is the situation. I come from a background where I actually voted against the bank guarantee. I also voted against benchmarking because I could see where it would lead but, on the other hand, of course I took the money when it came in so I am not a complete eejit. The Bill is not an emergency, it is a chronic situation otherwise we would not have all these Bills coming before the House. I do not believe I have seen the following in a Bill previously.

When the Labour Party was in opposition it talked about eliminating waste in the system, but it has not done so. With a third rate of tax at 48% on incomes of over €100,000, a wealth tax and the standardisation of all tax reliefs, there are any amount of options. The problem is that the Minister is not prepared to listen, which shows the Government's arrogance. It has contempt for ordinary working people and its members know it. Come the next general election-----