David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I genuinely believe that many families were expecting something different or to be given a break. The families who have borne the brunt of the past six austerity budgets had hoped that the Government would put more money back in their pockets, thereby giving them a break and enabling them to pay their mortgages and bills and provide for their children. Unfortunately, not only have the vast majority of these families not been given a break or had money put back in their pockets, the Government has taken more out of their pockets.

Regardless of how many times Senators, including from the Labour Party and Fine Gael, say this is a good budget, the reality is different. The devil is always in the detail. Let us look at what, according to Labour Party Senators, is good and great in this budget. Prescriptions charges have been increased from €1.50 to €2.50. Is that good and great? The telephone allowance for elderly people has been abolished. Is that good and great? The bereavement grant has been abolished.