Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We just have seen small snippets of the budget. When we see what areas are being addressed, we can see how the most vulnerable people in every area are affected. This is Mental Health Week and there are volunteers in my constituency putting on over 60 events to help people who are queuing to get appointments for doctors. This budget should address such issues and unless that happens, we might as well throw the money down the river. The money is there and it is up to the Government to see that those areas which need it will get it. It is the same with disabilities. There are more than 500,000 people with disabilities in Ireland and people are waiting 12 weeks for carer's allowance. These people need that money. This is a budget that can work if the money is used wisely. If it is not used wisely, it will be no good.

I am very disappointed that old-age pensioners must wait until next March for their €5 increase. It should be given to them earlier. These are the most vulnerable people in society. The same applies with regard to jobseekers and carers. Unless this budget delivers to the people in need, from those with disabilities to those affected by the housing crisis to those who are on trolleys, it will not be a success. Until we see it and let it go forward, I hope I will be able to work with it and ensure the people I represent will get the best of this budget, like everybody else.

With respect to Sinn Féin's comments-----