David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The only way we can even talk about the issues we wish to raise is as part of the debate on the sections. I am sure the Fianna Fáil will have to do likewise because its amendments have been ruled out of order as well. I will take the opportunity under the section to deal with the issues.

What we were seeking to do was to increase the family income supplement by 10%. These are measures that my party proposed in its alternative budget that the Government should have introduced. We are being consistent with what we put forward. I have acknowledged there are some positive elements of the Government's budget in terms of social welfare payments, but a 10% increase in the family income supplement would have benefited tens of thousands of low-income families who need it.