Pearse Doherty

Read the room.

It was in their budget, Michael.

The Minister of State did not vote.

The Minister of State did not even turn up for the vote years ago. He did not turn up years ago. Tell the people of Kerry that one.

You did not turn up, Michael.

You did not turn up, Michael. You are telling lies here now.

You signed off on higher petrol and diesel for the people of Kerry. That is what you signed off on.

On a point of order-----

There is.

The Minister of State has accused Members here of telling lies. I would like him to clarify if carbon tax is not a part of the budget he has agreed to. Is it not?

Is it or is it not? The Minister of State has accused Members of telling lies.

Is it part of the budget or not?

Come on.

Well done, Michael.

Well, we know what the Minister of State delivered anyway. Dearer petrol and diesel for people in Kerry. That is what he delivered. Well done, rural Ireland.

You were obviously quiet around the Cabinet table anyway, Michael. You had nothing to say around there.

You had nothing to say for the people of Kerry there. You have lost your tongue now, boy.

Not at all.

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Before I begin my response to the budget, I want to take this moment to remember all those who lost their lives in the Creeslough tragedy three years ago today, very close to this time. Three years on, that tragedy has still left many scars and pains, and the families are still searching for answers. The Minister for justice has refused to meet the families…

I think that is the wrong decision, and I ask him to reflect on that decision, particularly this day.

An teachtaireacht mhór anseo atá ag an Aire do na ghnáthdhaoine ná go bhfuil siad tréigthe agus fágtha leo féin. Budget atá anseo atá scríofa ag Fine Gael. Tréigeann sé oibrithe agus teaghlaigh chun aire a thabhairt dóibh siúd atá ar bharr an dréimire. Cuidiú ar bith do chostais maireachtála, gníomh ar bith chun an sáinn a stopadh nó faoiseamh ar bith ar cháin. Is dréachtphlean é chun leanúint go …

Only in this Government's twisted world could it present a hike in student fees as a cut. The Government is literally trying to convince people that up is down. Whatever way the Minister tries to muddy the water with this, students, parents and others understand it is costing €500 more in fees this year than last year.

Does the Minister think the students of Ireland cannot do the maths?

They know Fine Gael are screwing them over and over and making out that it is trying to do them a favour. That is the reality of it. The Minister should come off the stage. The Tánaiste should come off the stage.

The Minister is jacking up student fees. Be a man, own it, be proud of it, declare it and stop trying to pull the con job he tried earlier on.