David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I commend the Independent Senators on bringing forward this motion. It was bizarre earlier that we had a Labour Party Senator who gave us a Second Stage speech on a Bill we had discussed last week, and we had what can best be described as a Thatcherite speech from one of the Fine Gael Senators, so the debate did not get off to a good start. However, some very good contributions were made by others who have spoken.

I know some of the Independent Senators who have tabled this are trying to get support and consensus from across the board. However, I have to say that many people have been hurt by this Government - Senator van Turnhout spoke this morning about child poverty - and more people are living in poverty in this State now than was the case before this Government took office. It has deepened inequality and injustice, yet Government party Members seconded this motion today. That will not be lost on many people, and it is a matter for the Independent Senators who allowed that to happen. In any event, I understand what they were looking for was-----