David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Proportionally, they will benefit more. While the Labour Party might disagree, these are the figures. A low-paid worker on €30,000 will gain €174, which will be negated by water charges. A middle-income earner on €50,000 will gain €546, most of which will be wiped out by the property tax and water charges. A higher earner on €70,000 will gain €746. The greatest benefit should have gone to middle and low-income workers as well as the unemployed. The Government's budget failed to address inequality and poverty. Instead, the budget will increase poverty and inequality levels. Cleverly from the Government's perspective, it tried to give something to everyone. In doing so, it gave nothing substantial to anyone except the top earners.

I wish to propose the amendment to the Order of Business that I proposed and withdrew yesterday because it was budget day, namely, that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government should attend the House to discuss the water services plan. We have not had such an opportunity yet. The Leader stated that he would endeavour to arrange for one. Water charges are a considerable issue for people.