Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. Like Senator Murnane O'Connor, I am disappointed immediate effect is not being given to the social welfare increases. The litmus test of a society or democracy is how it treats its old age pensioners in particular. Whatever boom and doom occurred and whatever destruction took place in the economy, it certainly was not the fault of old age pensioners. They have no options and their circumstances are highly circumscribed. I am glad the Minister was able to do something for them in the budget. It vindicates the position adopted by my party leader, Deputy Micheál Martin. We have been criticised by Senator Ó Clochartaigh but Fianna Fáil took the responsible road by entering into a confidence and supply arrangement with the Fine Gael Party. Will we ever forget how Sinn Féin members were so terrified when those negotiations were taking place? They were like rabbits caught in the headlights-----