.
...
Tonight - It's the final Leaders' Debate of Election 2016.
Live in our studio - Enda Kenny, Micheal Martin, Gerry Adams
and Joan Burton will debate the issues one last time,
to try to convince you, the voters to, to vote for them.
Blinding
Blinding lights
Blinding lights. Un
Blinding lights. Unblinking eyes
Blinding lights. Unblinking eyes.
And
Blinding lights. Unblinking eyes. And more than 20 days and nights. Of
constant
And more than 20 days and nights. Of constant, constraint questioning.
With
constant, constraint questioning. With just three days left to fight
constant, constraint questioning. With just three days left to fight,
your
With just three days left to fight, your moment approaches
With just three days left to fight, your moment approaches, your time to
make
your moment approaches, your time to make your choice
your moment approaches, your time to make your choice. The Taoiseach
of the 3
make your choice. The Taoiseach of the 32
make your choice. The Taoiseach of the 32rd Dail will rise
make your choice. The Taoiseach of the 32rd Dail will rise. Soldiers of
destiny
the 32rd Dail will rise. Soldiers of destiny. The tribe
the 32rd Dail will rise. Soldiers of destiny. The tribe. Alternate
holders
destiny. The tribe. Alternate holders of the highest offices
throughout
holders of the highest offices throughout history
holders of the highest offices throughout history. When John Bruton
was
throughout history. When John Bruton was elected Taoiseach
throughout history. When John Bruton was elected Taoiseach... The
incumbent
was elected Taoiseach... The incumbent stepped forward
was elected Taoiseach... The incumbent stepped forward. Yes
was elected Taoiseach... The incumbent stepped forward. Yes,
ruins remain
incumbent stepped forward. Yes, ruins remain, they say
incumbent stepped forward. Yes, ruins remain, they say. But they are
being
ruins remain, they say. But they are being re
ruins remain, they say. But they are being rebuilt
ruins remain, they say. But they are being rebuilt. The economy
which was ruined is now recovering and
clearly moving in the right direction
ruined is now recovering and clearly moving in the right direction. For
the
moving in the right direction. For the once powerful, it is their past
that
the once powerful, it is their past that haunts them
the once powerful, it is their past that haunts them. But
their history, they say, they have learned from
they say, they have learned from. They say they are now temper
they say, they have learned from. They say they are now tempered by
the white
They say they are now tempered by the white heat of adversity
They say they are now tempered by the white heat of adversity. You are
asked to believe
the white heat of adversity. You are asked to believe in them once again
the white heat of adversity. You are asked to believe in them once again.
Government
asked to believe in them once again. Government parties are claiming that
our
Government parties are claiming that our country can't risk a change
Government parties are claiming that our country can't risk a change.
When
our country can't risk a change. When the truth is that we can't risk
more
When the truth is that we can't risk more of the same
When the truth is that we can't risk more of the same. While
these are the airs
more of the same. While these are the heir
more of the same. While these are the heirs apparent
more of the same. While these are the heirs apparent, others say their
day
the heirs apparent, others say their day has finally come
the heirs apparent, others say their day has finally come, that they
are the people
day has finally come, that they are the people's champions
day has finally come, that they are the people's champions. One Lead
arrived
the people's champions. One Lead arrived of late from dark decade
north
arrived of late from dark decade north is yet to feel the weight of
power
north is yet to feel the weight of power here
north is yet to feel the weight of power here. He stand
north is yet to feel the weight of power here. He stands ready
north is yet to feel the weight of power here. He stands ready, he says
This is
power here. He stands ready, he says This is the first opportunity since
the
This is the first opportunity since the foundation of this state to
elect a
the foundation of this state to elect a Sinn Fein-
the foundation of this state to elect a Sinn Fein-led progressive
republican
elect a Sinn Fein-led progressive republican government
elect a Sinn Fein-led progressive republican government. Will they
hold
republican government. Will they hold the key
republican government. Will they hold the keys
republican government. Will they hold the keys? Or will it be the
party
hold the keys? Or will it be the party borne of workers heroes
hold the keys? Or will it be the party borne of workers heroes? But
now
party borne of workers heroes? But now also of in
party borne of workers heroes? But now also of infamous warnings and
fallen
now also of infamous warnings and fallen pledges
now also of infamous warnings and fallen pledges. The last five years
have
fallen pledges. The last five years have been transformative
fallen pledges. The last five years have been transformative, marriage
equality
have been transformative, marriage equality, legislation
have been transformative, marriage equality, legislate
have been transformative, marriage equality, legislating for the X case
and
equality, legislating for the X case and enhancing children
equality, legislating for the X case and enhancing children's rights. So
in
and enhancing children's rights. So in whom will you place your trust
and enhancing children's rights. So in whom will you place your trust?
After
in whom will you place your trust? After more than 20 days and nights,
the
After more than 20 days and nights, the end is now in sight. Tonight
After more than 20 days and nights, the end is now in sight. Tonight, a
final
the end is now in sight. Tonight, a final battle for you
the end is now in sight. Tonight, a final battle for you, the sovereign
the end is now in sight. Tonight, a final battle for you, the sovereign,
the
final battle for you, the sovereign, the 3
final battle for you, the sovereign, the 32
final battle for you, the sovereign, the 32nd Dail
final battle for you, the sovereign, the 32nd Dail. Who should rise?
Hello there and you're very welcome to Prime Time.
Tonight - it's the final Leaders' Debate of Election 2016.
With just three days left to polling day, and all of the opinion polls
showing an unclear outcome, tonight the Leaders of the four main parties
are here, live in our studio, to try to convince you, the people,
to give them your vote.
So let me welcome the four leaders - from left to right,
Gerry Adams, Leader of Sinn Fein;
Enda Kenny, Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael;
Joan Burton, Tanaiste and Leader of the Labour Party;
and Micheal Martin, Leader of Fianna Fail.
You're all very welcome here tonight, and both the order in which
the Leaders are standing here tonight, and the order in which
they will make their final appeals to you
have been chosen by the drawing of lots.
Straight after our debate here tonight, on RTE One,
my colleague David McCullagh will be presenting a special programme
in The Spin Room where he'll be getting immediate reaction
and analysis to the debate.
If I was
First
First of all, thank you very much for come
First of all, thank you very much for coming in tonight and I do want
to you
for coming in tonight and I do want to you debate
for coming in tonight and I do want to you debate, just please don't
talk
to you debate, just please don't talk over each other
to you debate, just please don't talk over each other. We are going
to
talk over each other. We are going to discuss all the key he shall
use in this campaign
to discuss all the key he shall use in this campaign, but I just want to
start
in this campaign, but I just want to start on a few opening questions
in this campaign, but I just want to start on a few opening questions.
Taoiseach
start on a few opening questions. Taoiseach, do you think there was
a certain arrogance in your slogan
Taoiseach, do you think there was a certain arrogance in your slogan,
keeping
certain arrogance in your slogan, keeping the recovery going
certain arrogance in your slogan, keeping the recovery going, since
you know
keeping the recovery going, since you know so well that so many people
aren't feeling
you know so well that so many people aren't feeling the recovery
you know so well that so many people aren't feeling the recovery? I
accept
aren't feeling the recovery? I accept that many people are not
feeling the
accept that many people are not feeling the recovery
accept that many people are not feeling the recovery. That's why we
need
feeling the recovery. That's why we need a second term to complete the
job
need a second term to complete the job that the people gave us
which was to fix the public finances an
put
was to fix the public finances an put the people back to work
was to fix the public finances an put the people back to work. The
bigger
put the people back to work. The bigger signals fort account
put the people back to work. The bigger signals for the country have
been
bigger signals for the country have been enormous
bigger signals for the country have been enormous, our plan is to create
2
been enormous, our plan is to create 20 0
been enormous, our plan is to create 20 0,000 jobs by 20
been enormous, our plan is to create 20 0,000 jobs by 2020 and employ
more
20 0,000 jobs by 2020 and employ more people and create further
employment in the
more people and create further employment in the public service
more people and create further employment in the public service,
doctors
employment in the public service, doctors and too much
employment in the public service, doctors and too muchers and
employment in the public service, doctors and too much
employment in the public service, doctors and teachers and Gardai
employment in the public service, doctors and teachers and Gardai. I
accept
doctors and teachers and Gardai. I accept of course many have not
get the recovery and our challenge is to
bring
the recovery and our challenge is to bring that recovery to every home
and
bring that recovery to every home and that's the challenge and
the journey that we are on
and that's the challenge and the journey that we are on. Just
I suppose on that similar theme of my
first
suppose on that similar theme of my first question
suppose on that similar theme of my first question, your comment
about whinge
first question, your comment about whingers
first question, your comment about whingers, I know you have explained
and
whingers, I know you have explained and you have apologised
whingers, I know you have explained and you have apologised, but did it
almost de
and you have apologised, but did it almost betray what you feel
about people who say they are not
feeling the recovery
people who say they are not feeling the recovery? My political challenge
was
the recovery? My political challenge was against a couple of
Fianna Fail councillors
was against a couple of Fianna Fail councillors, I have apologise
was against a couple of Fianna Fail councillors, I have apologised for
that
councillors, I have apologised for that and no offence of meant to any
member
that and no offence of meant to any member of the public
that and no offence of meant to any member of the public. Micheal Martin
member of the public. Micheal Martin, you stand before the
electorate
Martin, you stand before the electorate now
Martin, you stand before the electorate now, you say trust me
Martin, you stand before the electorate now, you say trust me,
I'm going
electorate now, you say trust me, I'm going to sort everything out
electorate now, you say trust me, I'm going to sort everything out.
But
I'm going to sort everything out. But you as people know
I'm going to sort everything out. But you as people know, were a seen
But you as people know, were a senior Minister in Fianna Fail when
decisions
senior Minister in Fianna Fail when decisions were taken which
threw this economy and our sovereignty
away
this economy and our sovereignty away and you are asking people
now to vote for you, why should they
away and you are asking people now to vote for you, why should they?
Fundament
to vote for you, why should they? Fundamently because the people need
and
Fundamently because the people need and want a change of government to
bring
and want a change of government to bring about a fair
and want a change of government to bring about a fairer and more
decent society
bring about a fairer and more decent society. We just had the situation
in the
society. We just had the situation in the last two days, where home
in the last two days, where homelessness has gone to record
level
homelessness has gone to record levels, 1700 children now in
emergency
levels, 1700 children now in emergency accommodation
levels, 1700 children now in emergency accommodation. We cannot
keep
emergency accommodation. We cannot keep this going
emergency accommodation. We cannot keep this going. Cannot keep it
going
keep this going. Cannot keep it going. Record numbers again on
trollies
going. Record numbers again on trollies in emergency departments.
We cannot
trollies in emergency departments. We cannot keep that going
trollies in emergency departments. We cannot keep that going. People do
not
We cannot keep that going. People do not feel safe in their communities
We cannot keep that going. People do not feel safe in their communities,
we
not feel safe in their communities, we can't keep that going
not feel safe in their communities, we can't keep that going. And
likewise
we can't keep that going. And likewise, many families feel under
constant
likewise, many families feel under constant pressure in terms
of working very hard but at the end
of the day having very little diz
the day having very little disposable income
the day having very little disposable income. We had a banking
inquiry
disposable income. We had a banking inquiry, we had a panned picked
majority
inquiry, we had a panned picked majority from the Taoiseach
inquiry, we had a panned picked majority from the Taoiseach, they
came
majority from the Taoiseach, they came to the conclusion we had a
global
came to the conclusion we had a global crisis, we did make mistakes
but
global crisis, we did make mistakes but we have learned from
those mistakes
but we have learned from those mistakes. OK
but we have learned from those mistakes. OK, just on that opening
question
mistakes. OK, just on that opening question. You were one of the
full-time
question. You were one of the full-time drivers on that
Fianna Fail bus that drove this country
over
Fail bus that drove this country over a cliff
Fail bus that drove this country over a cliff. I think your premises
wrong
over a cliff. I think your premises wrong, I just said we had a banking
inquiry
wrong, I just said we had a banking inquiry which didn't come to that
conclusion
inquiry which didn't come to that conclusion actually and made
the point that there was a
lot of complex factors
point that there was a lot of complex factors, both global and
national
complex factors, both global and national. We did make mistakes in
terms of
national. We did make mistakes in terms of spending too much and
reducing
terms of spending too much and reducing the revenue base but the
inquiry
reducing the revenue base but the inquiry also came to the conclusion
that the policies
inquiry also came to the conclusion that the policies of Fine Gael and
Labour
that the policies of Fine Gael and Labour would not have prevent
that had particular cry business
Labour would not have prevent that had particular cry business. -
crisis
had particular cry business. - crisis but a lot of good things were
done
crisis but a lot of good things were done during that period as well,
we can deal with those later
done during that period as well, we can deal with those later. Just an
opening question
can deal with those later. Just an opening question to you
can deal with those later. Just an opening question to you, Tain
Tanaiste
opening question to you, Tain Tanaiste, in 2011
opening question to you, Tain Tanaiste, in 2011, your
manifesto said Labour would protect as a
priority
said Labour would protect as a priority those people with
disabilities
priority those people with disabilities, the most vulnerable to
cuts in
disabilities, the most vulnerable to cuts in public services and yet you
then
cuts in public services and yet you then proceeded to be part of a
government
then proceeded to be part of a government that cut respite care
grants,
government that cut respite care grants, cut disability payments and
forced
grants, cut disability payments and forced special needs children to
justify
forced special needs children to justify their own medical cards,
did you the exact opposite of
what you promised
you the exact opposite of what you promised? Well just let me say this
to you
promised? Well just let me say this to you, when we came in after
Micheal
to you, when we came in after Micheal and his party had finished
with
Micheal and his party had finished with the country
Micheal and his party had finished with the country, the cupboard was
bare
with the country, the cupboard was bare and what I did as Minister
for social protection and Deputy Leader
then
social protection and Deputy Leader then of the Labour Party
social protection and Deputy Leader then of the Labour Party, was I
sought
then of the Labour Party, was I sought to keep the weekly
payments of social welfare absolutely intact
while
of social welfare absolutely intact while providing 20
of social welfare absolutely intact while providing 200 million every
year for
while providing 200 million every year for all the additional pension
year for all the additional pensioners you can look at the
record
pensioners you can look at the record, extra domiciliary care
allowances
record, extra domiciliary care allowances and a huge amount of
extra
allowances and a huge amount of extra carers' allowance
allowances and a huge amount of extra carers' allowances
allowances and a huge amount of extra carers' allowances, we did all
of
extra carers' allowances, we did all of that in very tight difficult
Financial Times
of that in very tight difficult Financial Times. But since things
have got
Financial Times. But since things have got better
Financial Times. But since things have got better, the first thing we
moved to do was improve the payments for children and re
moved to do was improve the payments for children and reinstate in full
-
All
for children and reinstate in full - All the payments. We
saw the news yesterday, 125 more families,
a record number of families going
homeless last month. You cut the rental
homeless last month. You cut the
rent supplement and
homeless last month. You cut the rent supplement and didn't increase
it
rent supplement and didn't increase it, so it's a direct consequence of
that
it, so it's a direct consequence of that, 1
it, so it's a direct consequence of that, 125 thorks
it, so it's a direct consequence of that, 125 families last month - What
we
that, 125 families last month - What we do now and just it let me explain
this
we do now and just it let me explain this particularly to anybody
who is listening in tonight and has a
problem
listening in tonight and has a problem with rent supplement
listening in tonight and has a problem with rent supplement, we
negotiated
problem with rent supplement, we negotiated 20
problem with rent supplement, we negotiated 20, 30
problem with rent supplement, we negotiated 20, 30% increase
problem with rent supplement, we negotiated 20, 30% increases in rent
supplement
negotiated 20, 30% increases in rent supplement all the time
negotiated 20, 30% increases in rent supplement all the time, we are
spending
supplement all the time, we are spending almost half a billion of
taxpayers' money
spending almost half a billion of taxpayers' money on social rent
support
taxpayers' money on social rent support. That way we can actually
reach
support. That way we can actually reach out to families
support. That way we can actually reach out to families. Last year and
I am happy
reach out to families. Last year and I am happy to say this
reach out to families. Last year and I am happy to say this, in one way
reach out to families. Last year and I am happy to say this, in one way,
a thousand
I am happy to say this, in one way, a thousand families left being home
a thousand families left being homeless, we have other
a thousand families left being homeless, we have others since
homeless, we have others since. We'll come back to home
homeless, we have others since. We'll come back to homelessness in
this
We'll come back to homelessness in this debate
We'll come back to homelessness in this debate. We are going to spend 4
billion
this debate. We are going to spend 4 billion to build more social houses
and
billion to build more social houses and we started already
billion to build more social houses and we started already. OK
billion to build more social houses and we started already. OK,
Gerry Adams, anyone who knows anything
about the
Adams, anyone who knows anything about the history of
Northern Ireland, the troubles there
about the history of Northern Ireland, the troubles there,
including
Ireland, the troubles there, including the Irish government
Ireland, the troubles there, including the Irish government, the
British
including the Irish government, the British government
including the Irish government, the British government, the Gardai
including the Irish government, the British government, the Gardai, the
PSNI
British government, the Gardai, the PSNI and any historian of any hue,
all
PSNI and any historian of any hue, all say you were a senior
member of the IRA, I know you have always
denied
the IRA, I know you have always denied that
the IRA, I know you have always denied that, but I suppose
doesn't this go to your integrity
denied that, but I suppose doesn't this go to your integrity, to the
heart
this go to your integrity, to the heart of who you are
this go to your integrity, to the heart of who you are. And
therefore are you a fitting person to be the
Taoiseach
are you a fitting person to be the Taoiseach of this country
are you a fitting person to be the Taoiseach of this country? Well the
people
Taoiseach of this country? Well the people thought I was a
fitting person to represent them, the people
of
person to represent them, the people of West Belfast thought the same
person to represent them, the people of West Belfast thought the same,
we were going forward this time because
everything
were going forward this time because everything that's wrong in our
society
everything that's wrong in our society now is as a result of
decisions
society now is as a result of decisions taken by the three people
to
decisions taken by the three people to my left
decisions taken by the three people to my left. Micheal did drive the
bus
to my left. Micheal did drive the bus over the cliff
to my left. Micheal did drive the bus over the cliff. He wants the
keys back
bus over the cliff. He wants the keys back now to get into the bus
again.
keys back now to get into the bus again. The Taoiseach and the
Tanaiste
again. The Taoiseach and the Tanaiste had choices to make
and made the wrong choices in
support of the golden circles instead of in
support of
the golden circles instead of in support of working people and what
your
support of working people and what your viewers need just to reflect on
for a
your viewers need just to reflect on for a second
your viewers need just to reflect on for a second, are they better off
under
for a second, are they better off under Fine Gael and Labour than
they were before
under Fine Gael and Labour than they were before. Just the question I
suppose
were before. Just the question I suppose, I take your point
about West Belfast and about lost
suppose, I take your point about West Belfast and about Louth but
you are seeking the highest office
in the land, you want to be
Taoiseach of this country
the land, you want to be Taoiseach of this country. Well if that's -
Are you
of this country. Well if that's - Are you a sitting person
of this country. Well if that's - Are you a sitting person, given
what I mentioned earlier
Are you a sitting person, given what I mentioned earlier, it does I
suppose
I mentioned earlier, it does I suppose go to who you are
I mentioned earlier, it does I suppose go to who you are, the heart
of
suppose go to who you are, the heart of who you are
suppose go to who you are, the heart of who you are. I have never tried
to
of who you are. I have never tried to hide my association with the IRA.
I have
to hide my association with the IRA. I have a small group of people who
would
I have a small group of people with
Fr
I have a small group of people with Fr Alex Reid and Des Wilson and John
Hume put
Fr Alex Reid and Des Wilson and John Hume put together a peace process
Fr Alex Reid and Des Wilson and John Hume put together a peace process,
the
Hume put together a peace process, the IRA is now history
Hume put together a peace process, the IRA is now history, in the north
we have
the IRA is now history, in the north we have the satisfaction of being
able
we have the satisfaction of being able to work with our unionist
neighbour
able to work with our unionist neighbours
able to work with our unionist neighbours, to develop and to
continue
neighbours, to develop and to continue the work of building the
peace
continue the work of building the peace. Now
continue the work of building the peace. Now, what we will do
continue the work of building the peace. Now, what we will do, Miriam
continue the work of building the peace. Now, what we will do, Miriam,
and
peace. Now, what we will do, Miriam, and what I will do
peace. Now, what we will do, Miriam, and what I will do, if I am elected
peace. Now, what we will do, Miriam, and what I will do, if I am elected,
I will
and what I will do, if I am elected, I will not draw the ministerial
salary
I will not draw the ministerial salary, I will not give it to my
constituency
salary, I will not give it to my constituency or my party
salary, I will not give it to my constituency or my party, I will
give
constituency or my party, I will give it back to the state and I will
draw
give it back to the state and I will draw an average wage
give it back to the state and I will draw an average wage. These three
folks
draw an average wage. These three folks have been in Leinster House
between
folks have been in Leinster House between them for over 08 years
folks have been in Leinster House between them for over 08 years. - 8
folks have been in Leinster House between them for over 08 years. - 80
years
between them for over 08 years. - 80 years. Let me come back
between them for over 08 years. - 80 years. Let me come back, these
are just opening questions, on money
years. Let me come back, these are just opening questions, on money, I
mean
just opening questions, on money, I mean there are people who feel
Gerry Adams that you are at sea on basic
facts
Adams that you are at sea on basic facts and figures. And yet you want
the
facts and figures. And yet you want the people of Ireland to give you
the
the people of Ireland to give you the power to run our economy
the people of Ireland to give you the power to run our economy?
With respect
the power to run our economy? With respect, I am not at sea in terms
of basic figures and these
parties would rather discuss as you are
going
would rather discuss as you are going to now the IRA, or discuss my
-
going to now the IRA, or discuss my - I am not
going to now the IRA, or discuss my - I am not. Bear with me please or
my
- I am not. Bear with me please or my ability to count when what people
want
my ability to count when what people want is political leadership
at this time which will left the burden
of the people who are being just crews
nationwide
the people who are being just
crucified
the people who are being just crucified by government policy which
would be about
crucified by government policy which would be about a fair and
sustainable
would be about a fair and sustainable societal recovery
as well as an economic recovery
sustainable societal recovery as well as an economic recovery. I
heard you
well as an economic recovery. I heard you talking to Sean O'Rourke
on
heard you talking to Sean O'Rourke on the radio the other day and you
seemed genuine
on the radio the other day and you seemed genuinely confused and
thought
seemed genuinely confused and thought that someone earning 10
seemed genuinely confused and thought that someone earning 100
thought that someone earning 100,000 paid a tax rate of 7
thought that someone earning 100,000 paid a tax rate of 7%
thought that someone earning 100,000 paid a tax rate of 7%. I didn't say
that
paid a tax rate of 7%. I didn't say that, you listen back and I actually
tweeted
that, you listen back and I actually tweeted the entire tape of that that
conversation
tweeted the entire tape of that that conversation and I am very clear
we are going to introduce a new rate of
tax
are going to introduce a new rate of tax individually
are going to introduce a new rate of tax individually, for those citizens
who
tax individually, for those citizens who earn over 10
tax individually, for those citizens who earn over 100
tax individually, for those citizens who earn over 100,000. Your
knowledge
who earn over 100,000. Your knowledge and facts of figures -
We'll
knowledge and facts of figures - We'll add 7 cent in every euro extra
that
We'll add 7 cent in every euro extra that they are now why is that, we
want to
that they are now why is that, we want to do that
that they are now why is that, we want to do that? Because we want to
invest
want to do that? Because we want to invest that money in public services
invest that money in public services, we want to reverse this
cabinet
services, we want to reverse this cabinet sat around and decided to
take
cabinet sat around and decided to take away bereavement grant
cabinet sat around and decided to take away bereavement grant,
telephone
take away bereavement grant, telephone allowance
take away bereavement grant, telephone allowance,
telephone allowance, carers' allowance
telephone allowance, carers' allowance, to increase prescription
charges
allowance, to increase prescription charges and in defiance of what
they were given a mandate to do
charges and in defiance of what they were given a mandate to do. Moving
on to
were given a mandate to do. Moving on to health taxes and public
services and actually
on to health taxes and public services and actually they are all
so
services and actually they are all so related
services and actually they are all so related. Starting with you
services and actually they are all so related. Starting with you,
Micheal Martin,
so related. Starting with you, Micheal Martin, you know better than
anyone
Micheal Martin, you know better than anyone else that poring billions
into
anyone else that poring billions into something doesn't necessarily
fix
into something doesn't necessarily fix it
into something doesn't necessarily fix it, you were in charge of the
Department of Health
fix it, you were in charge of the Department of Health, one of the
biggest
Department of Health, one of the biggest spending dopts
Department of Health, one of the biggest spending departments
during the boom years for four years
biggest spending departments during the boom years for four years, and
when
the boom years for four years, and when you were there
the boom years for four years, and when you were there, the spending
went
when you were there, the spending went from 5
when you were there, the spending went from 5.5 billion euro to 10
billion
went from 5.5 billion euro to 10 billion, that's an increase of
almost 10
billion, that's an increase of almost 100
billion, that's an increase of almost 100%
billion, that's an increase of almost 100%, and yet you failed to
resolve either
almost 100%, and yet you failed to resolve either the A&E or
waiting lists
resolve either the A&E or waiting lists. That's not correct actually
resolve either the A&E or waiting lists. That's not correct actually.
We
lists. That's not correct actually. We dramatically brought waiting list
down to
We dramatically brought waiting list down to six months for adults and
three
down to six months for adults and three months for children through
the
three months for children through the national treatment purchase fund
the national treatment purchase fund, where the money followed the
patient
fund, where the money followed the patient and public patients in
particular
patient and public patients in particular were treated during that
time
particular were treated during that time. There were over 6
particular were treated during that time. There were over 60
particular were treated during that time. There were over 600
particular were treated during that time. There were over 600,000 on
waiting lists
time. There were over 600,000 on waiting lists when you left
time. There were over 600,000 on waiting lists when you left. The
buildings of hospital
buildings of hospitals across the country and more people were
treated dramatically more people were
treated between
dramatically more people were treated between 2
dramatically more people were treated between 2,000 and 2
treated between 2,000 and 2000 4 at the end of my term in office
the end of my term in office. You were Minister for Finance
the end of my term in office. - your
Minister for Finance
the end of my term in office. - your Minister for Finance kept telling
you
Minister for Finance kept telling you weren't getting value for money
Minister for Finance kept telling There was outstanding progress made
in terms of the
There was outstanding progress made in terms of the transformation of
cashed yo
in terms of the transformation of cashed yo vascular
in terms of the transformation of cashed cardiovascular health and in
terms
cashed cardiovascular health and in terms of cancer
cashed cardiovascular health and in terms of cancer, I brought in
breast check and rolled out world class
screening programme
check and rolled out world class screening programme for women across
this
screening programme for women across this tun
screening programme for women across this country
screening programme for women across this country, we limb
screening programme for women across this country, we eliminated
meningitis
this country, we eliminated meningitis C, it's all 12 years ago
and
meningitis C, it's all 12 years ago and I have no difficulty in
discussing
and I have no difficulty in discussing that 12 years ago and
what
discussing that 12 years ago and what we now need is
investment in health services and we need reform
what we now need is investment in health services and we need reform.
We have
health services and we need reform. We have to to believe I suppose when
you are
We have to to believe I suppose when you are going to criticise the
way it's being run
you are going to criticise the way it's being run, we have to believe
you are
it's being run, we have to believe you are going to make it better, how
come
you are going to make it better, how come your own Minister for Finance
said
come your own Minister for Finance where you spent all these billions,
tst waste
where you spent all these billions, tst wasted money
where you spent all these billions, tst wasted money, it didn't change
anything
tst wasted money, it didn't change anything. It was not wasted money
tst wasted money, it didn't change anything. It was not wasted money.
I would make the point to you in terms
of what
would make the point to you in terms of what, the contrast between my
four
of what, the contrast between my four years and the last five years
is
four years and the last five years is extraordinary
four years and the last five years is extraordinary. This government
promised
is extraordinary. This government promised universal health care for
everybody
promised universal health care for everybody. And for four and a half
years,
everybody. And for four and a half years, didn't deliver it and than a
years, didn't deliver it and than anoifnsed
years, didn't deliver it and than a
years, didn't deliver it and than announced they couldn't. They
promised
announced they couldn't. They promised free GP care and couldn't
deliver
promised free GP care and couldn't deliver it
promised free GP care and couldn't deliver it. They increased
prescription
deliver it. They increased prescription charges from 50 cent
prescription charges from 50 cents to 2
prescription charges from 50 cents to 2507 and the trolly count today -
to 2507 and the trolly count today is is gone through the roof.
There was a public spending crisis and you
personally
was a public spending crisis and you personally in your old department
was a public spending crisis and you personally in your old department,
I was asking people now to say you are
fit
was asking people now to say you are fit to run the economy and make the
health
fit to run the economy and make the health service a great place
fit to run the economy and make the health service a great place, but
you are
health service a great place, but you are spending
health service a great place, but
your
health service a great place, but your spending was at the heart of it
and didn't make
your spending was at the heart of it and didn't make any
difference. At the heart of what
and didn't make any difference. At the heart of what? At the public
spending
the heart of what? At the public spending crisis. It wasn't actually
at the time
spending crisis. It wasn't actually at the time at all
spending crisis. It wasn't actually at the time at all. If you look
at the European Commission or anybody
back
the European Commission or anybody back in 2004
the European Commission or anybody back in 2004, there wasn't a public
spending
back in 2004, there wasn't a public spending crisis
back in 2004, there wasn't a public spending crisis. At that time
back in 2004, there wasn't a public spending crisis. At that time. At
all.
spending crisis. At that time. At all. And the most important point
is this: Went up by 20
all. And the most important point is this: Went up by 20% in 2001
all. And the most important point is this: Went up by 20% in 2001. You
didn't interrupt
this: Went up by 20% in 2001. You didn't interrupt Gerry when he was
speaking.
didn't interrupt Gerry when he was speaking. Went up by 20
didn't interrupt Gerry when he was speaking. Went up by 20%
didn't interrupt Gerry when he was speaking. Went up by 20%. In terms
of outcomes
speaking. Went up by 20%. In terms of outcomes and lifespan
speaking. Went up by 20%. In terms of outcomes and lifespan, have you
looked at the
of outcomes and lifespan, have you looked at the lifespan which
surely is the most important indicator of
investment
is the most important indicator of investment in health
is the most important indicator of investment in health. Lirld
is the most important indicator of investment in health. Ireland
is the most important indicator of investment in health. Ireland's
lifespan
investment in health. Ireland's lifespan went up higher than any
other
lifespan went up higher than any other European country and that was
because
other European country and that was because of the sustained investment
in
because of the sustained investment in health services
which was required in that period
in health services which was required in that period. OK
in health services which was required in that period. OK.
Gerry Adams you want to spend the extra 3
Adams you want to spend the extra 3.3 billion on health
Adams you want to spend the extra 3.3 billion on health. According
to your figures, and we now know fixing
our
your figures, and we now know fixing our health service, it's not
just about money
our health service, it's not just about money, obviously it helps but
it's
about money, obviously it helps but it's not just money
about money, obviously it helps but it's not just money, can you give me
one
it's not just money, can you give me one suggestion for a change in work
practices
one suggestion for a change in work practices obted
one suggestion for a change in work practices or hospital operations
that
practices or hospital operations that might make the system better
value
that might make the system better value for money
that might make the system better value for money? Yes
that might make the system better value for money? Yes, I can
that might make the system better value for money? Yes, I can. Let
me remind you that today, 5
value for money? Yes, I can. Let me remind you that today, 51
value for money? Yes, I can. Let me remind you that today, 511 citizens
were
remind you that today, 511 citizens were on hospital trollies
remind you that today, 511 citizens were on hospital trollies, today.
And
were on hospital trollies, today. And Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda
in
And Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda in my constituency
And Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda in my constituency, a staff member
said
in my constituency, a staff member said it was bet
in my constituency, a staff member said it was bedlam
in my constituency, a staff member said it was bedlam, some people were
on
said it was bedlam, some people were on the floor. Give me your example
on the floor. Give me your example. Example
on the floor. Give me your example. Example. A woman had to wait 1
Example. A woman had to wait 11 hours for an x-ray. Now
Example. A woman had to wait 11 hours for an x-ray. Now, what's
wrong
hours for an x-ray. Now, what's wrong with the health service has
been
wrong with the health service has been created over decades
wrong with the health service has been created over decades. It's two
tier,
been created over decades. It's two tier, it's a hybrid
been created over decades. It's two tier, it's a hybrid. What's your
suggestion
tier, it's a hybrid. What's your suggestion. Please
tier, it's a hybrid. What's your suggestion. Please. It's a hybrid of
public
suggestion. Please. It's a hybrid of public and private
suggestion. Please. It's a hybrid of public and private. Successive
government
public and private. Successive governments
public and private. Successive governments, including
governments, including Micheal Martin
governments, including Micheal Martin's government
governments, including Micheal Martin's government, voted for co-
Martin's government, voted for co-location and hiving off
those beds which were profitable and
what was left public got worse and worse
was left public got worse and worse. We start off on a promise we
transform
worse. We start off on a promise we transform this system - a premise to
transform
transform this system - a premise to transform the system into a free
at the point of access health
service for everybody
the point of access health service for everybody, we will change the
prok
for everybody, we will change the prok tis, we will put that 3
for everybody, we will change the prok tis, we will put that 3.3
billion
prok tis, we will put that 3.3 billion into that and it will take
ten
billion into that and it will take ten years under our health plan and
our
ten years under our health plan and our health plan will out live this
election
our health plan will out live this election. I hear you but what
I'm asking you
election. I hear you but what I'm asking you, one practical example
election. I hear you but what I'm asking you, one practical example, a
suggestion,
asking you, one practical example, a suggestion, because everybody knows
there
suggestion, because everybody knows there needs to be reform
suggestion, because everybody knows there needs to be reform, a small
example of
there needs to be reform, a small example of reform
there needs to be reform, a small example of reform. Every child who
has
example of reform. Every child who has a serious ailment or a
disability
has a serious ailment or a disability or a lifelong sickness
should be
disability or a lifelong sickness should be given a medical card
and will be given a medical card under
Sinn Fein.
will be given a medical card under Sinn Fein. That's not a reform
of the system
Sinn Fein. That's not a reform of the system. That is a fundamental
huge
the system. That is a fundamental huge transformation
the system. That is a fundamental huge transformation. Of work
practices
huge transformation. Of work practices. What we need to do is
create
practices. What we need to do is create a capacity
practices. What we need to do is create a capacity, e
practices. What we need to do is create a capacity, eh, recruitment
practices. What we need to do is create a capacity, eh, recruitment,
so
create a capacity, eh, recruitment, so we will bring in and this will be
50
so we will bring in and this will be 500 in the first year, 7
so we will bring in and this will be 500 in the first year, 700 of
those health workers who
500 in the first year, 700 of those health workers who, the 7
health workers who, the 7,000 who were cut by Fianna Fail and then by
Fine Gael and
were cut by Fianna Fail and then by Fine Gael and Labour and we will
recruit
Fine Gael and Labour and we will recruit consultants and change the
terms
recruit consultants and change the terms and conditions under which -
How
terms and conditions under which - How will you recruit the corrupts at
a 59%
How will you recruit the corrupts at a 59% marginal tax rate, how are you
going to
a 59% marginal tax rate, how are you going to get them come work here
going to get them come work here? People will
going to get them come work here? People will, I believe because
we are not going to put a cap on
crumbs,
are not going to put a cap on crumbs, we are
are not going to put a cap on crumbs
are not going to put a cap on
consultant
are not going to put a cap on consultants
are not going to put a cap on consultants, we are asking everybody
to pay
consultants, we are asking everybody to pay an extra 7 cent
consultants, we are asking everybody to pay an extra 7 cent, that
includes
to pay an extra 7 cent, that includes you
to pay an extra 7 cent, that includes you, do you earn over a 10
to pay an extra 7 cent, that includes you, do you earn over a 100
includes you, do you earn over a 100? I do you should say that
includes you, do you earn over a 100? I do you should say that,
includes you, do you earn over a 100? I do. I should say that
includes you, do you earn over a 100? I do. I should say that, you
probably
100? I do. I should say that, you probably have also private health
insurance
probably have also private health insurance, say you were to bring
your
insurance, say you were to bring your child to the GP without
having to pay
your child to the GP without having to pay, say you were able to go to
A&E without
to pay, say you were able to go to A&E without - Just on consultant
to pay, say you were able to go to A&E without - Just on consultants
to pay, say you were able to go to A&E without - Just on consultants,
because
A&E without - Just on consultants, because this government cut
consultant
because this government cut consultant as pea
because this government cut consultant as pea, pay, they had a
serious
consultant as pea, pay, they had a serious problem with recruitment
consultant as pea, pay, they had a serious problem with recruitment,
I am saying to you you are saying, you
want
am saying to you you are saying, you want to recruit more consultant
am saying to you you are saying, you want to recruit more consultants
am saying to you you are saying, you want to recruit more consultants.
If you are charging 59
want to recruit more consultants. If you are charging 59% tax rate
want to recruit more consultants. If you are charging 59% tax rate? The
big problem
you are charging 59% tax rate? The big problem for many of them is
terms
big problem for many of them is terms and conditions that they can't
get the
terms and conditions that they can't get the resources
terms and conditions that they can't get the resources, they have to
phone
get the resources, they have to phone people up in the morning to
cancel
phone people up in the morning to cancel an operation and that person
may have had to
cancel an operation and that person may have had to wait for years and
months,
may have had to wait for years and months, it's a morale issue
as well as viability
months, it's a morale issue as well as viability. If you have the money
months, it's a morale issue as well as viability. If you have the money,
which
as viability. If you have the money, which this state has it isn't a poor
state
which this state has it isn't a poor state, we could fund a public health
system
state, we could fund a public health system filth for purpose
state, we could fund a public health system filth for purpose, top
quality,
system filth for purpose, top quality, paid for out of taxation
and
quality, paid for out of taxation and that will ensure that we
had everybody being dealt with on
the basis of fairness and equality
basis of fairness and equality. Before I bring in the Taoiseach
basis of fairness and equality. Before I bring in the Taoiseach,
everybody knows
Before I bring in the Taoiseach, everybody knows we are having a
huge problem
everybody knows we are having a huge problem, not recruit
everybody knows we are having a huge problem, not recruiting just nurses
but
problem, not recruiting just nurses but consultant
problem, not recruiting just nurses but consultants
problem, not recruiting just nurses but consultants, and you think
we can recruit them on a 59% tax rate
can recruit them on a 59% tax rate? Yes
can recruit them on a 59% tax rate? Yes. I do. And - OK
can recruit them on a 59% tax rate? Yes. I do. And - OK. If we don't
can recruit them on a 59% tax rate? Yes. I do. And - OK. If we don't, in
five
Yes. I do. And - OK. If we don't, in five years time, let the people
sack us
five years time, let the people sack us. Enda Kenny you must thread
five years time, let the people sack us. Enda Kenny you must dread the
mention of the
us. Enda Kenny you must dread the mention of the health service and
health
mention of the health service and health reform
mention of the health service and health reform, in 2007
mention of the health service and health reform, in 2007, you did say
you would
health reform, in 2007, you did say you would bring an end to the
scandal of
you would bring an end to the scandal of trollies
you would bring an end to the scandal of trollies, that obviously
hasn't happened
scandal of trollies, that obviously hasn't happened, you then will the
great idea
hasn't happened, you then will the great idea of universal health
insurance
great idea of universal health insurance, that hasn't worked out
great idea of universal health insurance, that hasn't worked out,
Leo
insurance, that hasn't worked out, Leo has quietly got rid of that
insurance, that hasn't worked out, Leo has quietly got rid of that,
Brendan Howlin
Leo has quietly got rid of that, Brendan Howlin said
it was impossible to pay for that and
you are going to have a whole array of
bodies
are going to have a whole array of bodies who are going to have to run
this
bodies who are going to have to run this new system
bodies who are going to have to run this new system. Farcical
I don't think would be too rude a word to
used
think would be too rude a word to used for that
think would be too rude a word to used for that. Well first of all, a
couple of
used for that. Well first of all, a couple of points. Gerry here defends
Mr
couple of points. Gerry here defends Mr Murphy but he won't defend
Senator
Mr Murphy but he won't defend Senator Cahill in answer in your yes
Who is
Senator Cahill in answer in your yes Who is Senator Cahill
Senator Cahill in answer in your yes Who is Senator Cahill? Mairia Cahill
Oh
Who is Senator Cahill? Mairia Cahill Oh sorry
Who is Senator Cahill? Mairia Cahill Oh sorry. I am actually am used at
what
Oh sorry. I am actually am used at what I'm hearing here
Oh sorry. I am actually am used at what I'm hearing here, they are
spauk
what I'm hearing here, they are
talking about
what I'm hearing here, they are talking about spending money
we don't have and can only have if
we have a recovery
don't have and can only have if we have a recovery. You are going to
talk
have a recovery. You are going to talk about the five point plan
have a recovery. You are going to talk about the five point plan. Let
the
talk about the five point plan. Let the Taoiseach finish his point on
health
the Taoiseach finish his point on health. They shamed this country
when
health. They shamed this country when they brought in the troika
health. They shamed this country when they brought in the troika,
shamed us
when they brought in the troika, shamed us, they abandoned government
and
shamed us, they abandoned government and abandoned Ireland in
its greatest hour of need
and abandoned Ireland in its greatest hour of need. What
about the universal social insurance
greatest hour of need. What about the universal social insurance. We
got
the universal social insurance. We got them back
the universal social insurance. We got them back. Five point plan,
Taoiseach
got them back. Five point plan, Taoiseach. Here we go now in
respect of what Micheal is talking about.
He is actually wanting to deceive the
Irish
is actually wanting to deceive the Irish people again
is actually wanting to deceive the Irish people again. In talking about
his
Irish people again. In talking about his record
Irish people again. In talking about his record. Down in Limerick last
week,
his record. Down in Limerick last week, he issued a challenge by any
metric
week, he issued a challenge by any metric to say that the record that
he had
metric to say that the record that he had was better in terms of
outcomes
he had was better in terms of outcomes and numbers than now
outcomes and numbers than now. He was challenged by Leo Varadker in
that
was challenged by Leo Varadker in that regard. And Leo Varadker
actually
that regard. And Leo Varadker actually exposed the deception of
Micheal Martin here
actually exposed the deception of Micheal Martin here. Because
there's now six hundred thousand people more
being
now six hundred thousand people more being treated in hospitals,
there are six hundred thousand more have
medical
are six hundred thousand more have medical cards and 7
are six hundred thousand more have medical cards and 750
are six hundred thousand more have medical cards and 750,000 more
out-patients
medical cards and 750,000 more out-patients seen
medical cards and 750,000 more out-patients seen. You have a
situation
out-patients seen. You have a situation here the leader of
Fianna Fail wants everybody to forget what
they did
Fail wants everybody to forget what they did and what they weren't able
to
they did and what they weren't able to do
they did and what they weren't able to do. Let him answer
they did and what they weren't able to do. Let him answer. He
didn't answer the question about universal
health
answer the question about universal health insurance
answer the question about universal health insurance. I am going to
health insurance. I am going to. Between 2
health insurance. I am going to. Between 2000 and 2004
health insurance. I am going to. Between 2000 and 2004, there was
dramatic
Between 2000 and 2004, there was dramatic I professionals
Between 2000 and 2004, there was dramatic I professionals,
Between 2000 and 2004, there was dramatic I professional
Between 2000 and 2004, there was dramatic improvement
Between 2000 and 2004, there was dramatic improvements
Between 2000 and 2004, there was dramatic improvements. I
wasn't exposed by the Minister of health at
all
exposed by the Minister of health at all. Your challenge was exposed
exposed by the Minister of health at all. Your challenge was exposed.
It was quite pathetic of you and
the Minister for Health
was quite pathetic of you and the Minister for Health. Please don't
speak
Minister for Health. Please don't speak over each other
Minister for Health. Please don't speak over each other. To cover up
the paws
speak over each other. To cover up the paucity of your own health
policy,
the paucity of your own health policy, the ineffective
the paucity of your own health policy, the ineffectiveness of it
and the
policy, the ineffectiveness of it and the degree to which you broke
every
and the degree to which you broke every single promise you made
in health. I delivered far more in
terms
health. I delivered far more in terms of what we said we would do,
not
terms of what we said we would do, not just waiting lists and waiting
times
not just waiting lists and waiting times. You didn't and furthermore
we have better plans for the future
have better plans for the future. Most importantly
have better plans for the future. Most importantly, mentality
have better plans for the future. Most importantly, men
have better plans for the future. Most importantly, mental
health which never gets discussed
Most importantly, mental health which never gets discussed. You were
wallowing
which never gets discussed. You were wallowing in money in the boom
which never gets discussed. You were wallowing in money in the boom,
he had loads of money. It's my view
along
had loads of money. It's my view along with the health system as we
normally
along with the health system as we normally discuss it
along with the health system as we normally discuss it, we need to
bring
normally discuss it, we need to bring to the national debate the
whole issue
bring to the national debate the whole issue of mental health. And
aim
whole issue of mental health. And I am going to bring in mental
health, I
I am going to bring in mental health, I need the Taoiseach to
answer
health, I need the Taoiseach to answer the question
health, I need the Taoiseach to answer the question. There's no way
Leo Varadker exposed
answer the question. There's no way Leo Varadker exposed anything by the
way.
Leo Varadker exposed anything by the way. The record speaks for itself
Leo Varadker exposed anything by the way. The record speaks for itself.
Let
way. The record speaks for itself. Let the Taoiseach answer his point
way. The record speaks for itself. Let the Taoiseach answer his point.
(ALL TALK AT ONCE)
Let the Taoiseach answer his point. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Let him answer. I
would be the
(ALL TALK AT ONCE) Let him answer. I would be the first to admit the
situation
would be the first to admit the situation in many areas of health is
not
situation in many areas of health is not as satisfying tree as we would
wish
not as satisfying tree as we would wish - satisfactory
not as satisfying tree as we would wish - satisfactory. What
about universal health insurance
wish - satisfactory. What about universal health insurance, I just
want
universal health insurance, I just want an answer to that question
universal health insurance, I just want an answer to that question,
it was your big idea, it hasn't worked
at
was your big idea, it hasn't worked at all
was your big idea, it hasn't worked at all. Our priority is universal
health
at all. Our priority is universal health care
at all. Our priority is universal health care. That's why we have
delivered 47
health care. That's why we have delivered 47 primary centres
health care. That's why we have delivered 47 primary centres, that's
why
delivered 47 primary centres, that's why there are 8
delivered 47 primary centres, that's why there are 80 more on the way,
we have recruited 7
why there are 80 more on the way, we have recruited 750 nurses
why there are 80 more on the way, we have recruited 750 nurses, 30
why there are 80 more on the way, we have recruited 750 nurses, 300
consultant
have recruited 750 nurses, 300 consultants and we have put out a
serious
consultants and we have put out a serious programme for investment
for the next five years
serious programme for investment for the next five years. It is
a situation that many
the next five years. It is a situation that mental health,
which is an issue around the country was a
Cinderella
is an issue around the country was a Cinderella for so many years and
Fine Gael and
Cinderella for so many years and Fine Gael and labouring fenced 35
million
Fine Gael and labouring fenced 35 million euro for mental health to
deal
million euro for mental health to deal with the question of suicide
which is
deal with the question of suicide which is an issue around the country
and
which is an issue around the country and that continues and Fine Gael's
programme
and that continues and Fine Gael's programme continues. I am Going to
bring
programme continues. I am Going to bring in Joan Burton
programme continues. I am Going to bring in Joan Burton, I am trying
to be fair to you all, the amount of
people
be fair to you all, the amount of people who contacted me before
tonight's
people who contacted me before tonight's debate asking me to ask
about this
tonight's debate asking me to ask about this, it's a huge issue
tonight's debate asking me to ask about this, it's a huge issue,
people
about this, it's a huge issue, people were explain to
about this, it's a huge issue, people were ex
about this, it's a huge issue, people were exing to me
about this, it's a huge issue, people were ex
about this, it's a huge issue, people were exexplain to me
about this, it's a huge issue, people were exexplain to me, your
greatest
people were exexplain to me, your greatest chance of dying under 50 is
not
greatest chance of dying under 50 is not heart attack or cancer
greatest chance of dying under 50 is not heart attack or cancer, it's by
suicide
not heart attack or cancer, it's by suicide, how can you justify being
part of the government
suicide, how can you justify being part of the government for five
years
part of the government for five years only spending 6
part of the government for five years only spending 6% of the entire
health
years only spending 6% of the entire health budget on men halt
years only spending 6% of the entire health budget on mental health when
the
health budget on mental health when the W
health budget on mental health when the WP
health budget on mental health when the WPH
health budget on mental health when the W
health budget on mental health when the W
health budget on mental health when the WH
health budget on mental health when the WHO says it should be double
that.
the WHO says it should be double that. We have been rolling out
primary
that. We have been rolling out primary community care centres and
if you
primary community care centres and if you go to any of those centres
and
if you go to any of those centres and I am sure everybody here
including
and I am sure everybody here including yourself has been rat them
including yourself has been rat them, you will
including yourself has been at them
including yourself has been at them,
you will
including yourself has been at them, you will see in the three and four
story
you will see in the three and four story centres being built at the
moment
story centres being built at the moment, one floor is
devoted exclusive
moment, one floor is devoted exclusively to mental health
and looking after people in their own
locality
looking after people in their own locality. If I could answer an
earlier
locality. If I could answer an earlier question
locality. If I could answer an earlier question. I want to stay on
mental
earlier question. I want to stay on mental health, I owe it to me
earlier question. I want to stay on mental health, I owe it to me,
if you look at the recent U
mental health, I owe it to me, if you look at the recent UN review
Irish
you look at the recent UN review Irish children, that took place this
month
Irish children, that took place this month on February 4
Irish children, that took place this month on February 4th
Irish children, that took place this month on February 4th, how we meet
our
month on February 4th, how we meet our childrens needs vis-a-vis mental
health,
our childrens needs vis-a-vis mental health, it's a damning indictment
if you read that
health, it's a damning indictment if you read that. What Labour has done
in
you read that. What Labour has done in government
you read that. What Labour has done in government, we have had a
Minister
in government, we have had a Minister dealing with mental health,
who has actually transformed
Minister dealing with mental health, who has actually transformed the
system
who has actually transformed the system as it's working at the
moment
The
system as it's working at the moment The U
system as it's working at the moment The UN said it was a damning
indictment
The UN said it was a damning indictment of you
The UN said it was a damning indictment of you. I talk regularly
to
indictment of you. I talk regularly to people involved in suicide
prevention
to people involved in suicide prevention organisations
to people involved in suicide prevention organisations, and to
families
prevention organisations, and to families affected by mental
health issues and the trauma that they
suffer
issues and the trauma that they suffer. And what people want is good
schools for
suffer. And what people want is good schools for their children
suffer. And what people want is good schools for their children, sport
physical
schools for their children, sport physical activity
schools for their children, sport physical activity, and
schools for their children, sport physical activity, and. When they
need
physical activity, and. When they need care, they are able to get that
without
need care, they are able to get that without having to go into hospital
without having to go into hospital. Can I say about Gerry Adams
without having to go into hospital. Can I say about Gerry Adams, he has
some
Can I say about Gerry Adams, he has some cheek lecture
Can I say about Gerry Adams, he has some cheek lecturing the rest of
us about a health service in Ireland.
When
about a health service in Ireland. When he is so privilege
about a health service in Ireland. When he is so privilege,
notwithstanding
When he is so privilege, notwithstanding he takes no income
When he is so privilege, notwithstanding he takes no income,
he can
notwithstanding he takes no income, he can jet off to America and have
his
he can jet off to America and have his friends
he can jet off to America and have his friends, maybe his good
republican
his friends, maybe his good republican friend pay for his health
treatment
republican friend pay for his health treatment? Gerry
republican friend pay for his health treatment? Gerry, what cloud cuckoo
land
treatment? Gerry, what cloud cuckoo land are you living in
treatment? Gerry, what cloud cuckoo land are you living in? You were
able
land are you living in? You were able to jet off to America for
special
able to jet off to America for special procedures and you dare
to lecture the rest of us
special procedures and you dare to lecture the rest of us? Well the
Tanaiste knows
lecture the rest of us? Well the Tanaiste knows, I have told her this
a
Tanaiste knows, I have told her this a million times
Tanaiste knows, I have told her this a million times, a friend - Let him
answer. A
a million times, a friend - Let him answer. A friend of mine paid for an
operation
answer. A friend of mine paid for an operation which at that time was not
available in
operation which at that time was not available in Ireland. My GP told me
that
available in Ireland. My GP told me that, advise
available in Ireland. My GP told me that, advised
available in Ireland. My GP told me that, he advised me to take it, the
taxpayer
that, he advised me to take it, the taxpayer didn't pay for it
that, he advised me to take it, the taxpayer didn't pay for it. Come
that, he advised me to take it, the taxpayer didn't pay for it. Coming
back
taxpayer didn't pay for it. Coming back to the issue of mental health,
before the
back to the issue of mental health, before the institution
back to the issue of mental health, before the institutions were put in
place
before the institutions were put in place in the north
before the institutions were put in place in the north, I worked with
families
place in the north, I worked with families and the more progressive
British
families and the more progressive British sem
families and the more progressive British Secretary of State
families and the more progressive British Secretary of State, Sean
Woodward
British Secretary of State, Sean Woodward, we took an All-Ireland
approach
Woodward, we took an All-Ireland approach to this issue
Woodward, we took an All-Ireland approach to this issue. I have
argued
approach to this issue. I have argued with the Taoiseach to try
take
argued with the Taoiseach to try take the same approach as we took to
death
take the same approach as we took to death on the roads through bad
driving or
death on the roads through bad driving or reckless driving or
drunken
driving or reckless driving or drunken driving. There's almost
driving or reckless driving or drunken driving. There's almostal
thousand
drunken driving. There's almostal thousand people every year recorded
as
thousand people every year recorded as taking their lives through
suicide
as taking their lives through suicide across this island
as taking their lives through suicide across this island. I was
today
suicide across this island. I was today in a centre where people deal
with
today in a centre where people deal with youngsters who are in danger of
suicide
with youngsters who are in danger of suicide, services cut by 50
with youngsters who are in danger of suicide, services cut by 50% under
this
suicide, services cut by 50% under this government
suicide, services cut by 50% under this government. Sinn Fein will roll
out
this government. Sinn Fein will roll out a programme which puts mentality
health
out a programme which puts mentality health at the centre
out a programme which puts mentality health at the centre, I am including
suicide
health at the centre, I am including suicide assessment
health at the centre, I am including suicide assessment, nurses which
this
suicide assessment, nurses which this government also cut
suicide assessment, nurses which this government also cut. Can I just
ask you a
this government also cut. Can I just ask you a question
this government also cut. Can I just ask you a question. We have ring
fenced
ask you a question. We have ring fenced 35 million each year
ask you a question. We have ring fenced 35 million each year, more
money
fenced 35 million each year, more money actually available for direct
intervention
money actually available for direct intervention here than ever before
because
intervention here than ever before because it was always lost under the
health
because it was always lost under the health board system
because it was always lost under the health board system. How come these
services
health board system. How come these services are cut by 50
health board system. How come these services are cut by 50%? That's why
we
services are cut by 50%? That's why we need - OK
services are cut by 50%? That's why we need - OK, I want to move on
services are cut by 50%? That's why we need - OK, I want to move on. For
the
we need - OK, I want to move on. For the last election
we need - OK, I want to move on. For the last election, James Reilly of
your
the last election, James Reilly of your party
the last election, James Reilly of your party, he promised to reduce
prescription
your party, he promised to reduce prescription charges which is a
big issue for but from doing that, your
government
issue for but from doing that, your government actually increased them
government actually increased them. Yes and our programme now recognises
that
Yes and our programme now recognises that this is a serious charge on
the people and we propose to reduce them
by
people and we propose to reduce them by 35 pest and
people and we propose to reduce them by
people and we propose to reduce them by%
people and we propose to reduce them by 30
people and we propose to reduce them by 30%
people and we propose to reduce them by 30%. I might also say when you
mention
by 30%. I might also say when you mention about universal health care
by 30%. I might also say when you mention about universal health care,
that's
mention about universal health care, that's why we have introduced a free
GP
that's why we have introduced a free GP access for under sixes
that's why we have introduced a free GP access for under sixes, free GP
access
GP access for under sixes, free GP access to over 7
GP access for under sixes, free GP access to over 70s and we intend to
bring
access to over 70s and we intend to bring that for every young person
under
bring that for every young person under 18 years of age
bring that for every young person under 18 years of age. These
are Fianna Fail want to introduce a
means
Fianna Fail want to introduce a means test on that now
Fianna Fail want to introduce a means test on that now. For some
peculiar
means test on that now. For some peculiar reason. This is of great
advantage
peculiar reason. This is of great advantage to the hundreds of
thousands of
advantage to the hundreds of thousands of people without access
to
thousands of people without access to GP care
thousands of people without access to GP care. A number of points,
we have a robust and comprehensive
policy
have a robust and comprehensive policy published in relation to
mental
policy published in relation to mental health, an
policy published in relation to mental health, it's been assessed by
independent G
mental health, it's been assessed by independent GN
mental health, it's been assessed by independent GNO
mental health, it's been assessed by independent G
mental health, it's been assessed by independent N
mental health, it's been assessed by independent NG
mental health, it's been assessed by independent NGO
mental health, it's been assessed by independent NGOs
mental health, it's been assessed by independent NGOs, to establish a
mental
independent NGOs, to establish a mental health authority to deal
with the issue once and for all. The
communities
the issue once and for all. The communities on the ground - please
the issue once and for all. The communities on the ground - please.
They have
communities on the ground - please. They have come from the ground up in
relation to
They have come from the ground up in relation to this issue
They have come from the ground up in relation to this issue, a further
point
relation to this issue, a further point is the Fine Gael plants
relation to this issue, a further point is the Fine Gael plans for
health
point is the Fine Gael plans for health, they are planning 16 new
bodies
health, they are planning 16 new bodies. I am moving on from health
now
bodies. I am moving on from health now. I am going to move on.
(ALL TALK AT ONCE) Another big Ib u in
now. I am going to move on. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Another big issue in
this
TALK AT ONCE) Another big issue in this election
TALK AT ONCE) Another big issue in this election. Just administration
this election. Just administration. I am moving on
this election. Just administration. I am moving on. Don't talk over each
other
I am moving on. Don't talk over each other, we are moving to personal
taxation
other, we are moving to personal taxation, a huge issue for people
taxation, a huge issue for people. Taoiseach
taxation, a huge issue for people. Taoiseach, it's pretty clear I
suppose
Taoiseach, it's pretty clear I suppose your banking in this
election
suppose your banking in this election on getting the votes of
rich
election on getting the votes of rich brangers
election on getting the votes of rich brangers,
election on getting the votes of rich brang
election on getting the votes of rich bankers
election on getting the votes of rich bankers, senior counsel
election on getting the votes of rich bankers, senior counsel,
software
rich bankers, senior counsel, software developers because all of
those very
software developers because all of those very high paid workers
are going to benefit from your USC
proposals
going to benefit from your USC proposals. Every work
going to benefit from your USC proposals. Every worker will benefit
from
proposals. Every worker will benefit from Fine Gael's tax plan here
proposals. Every worker will benefit from Fine Gael's tax plan here,
every
from Fine Gael's tax plan here, every worker
from Fine Gael's tax plan here, every worker. We recognise when
Michael Noonan
every worker. We recognise when Michael Noonan reduced the USC
in the last two budget
Michael Noonan reduced the USC in the last two budgets
Michael Noonan reduced the USC in the last two budgets, that more
money
the last two budgets, that more money flees
the last two budgets, that more money flow
the last two budgets, that more money flows into the system
the last two budgets, that more money flows into the system,
those who earn most will pay post
money flows into the system, those who earn most will pay most but
every
who earn most will pay most but every worker will be better off
who earn most will pay most but every worker will be better off,
middle
every worker will be better off, middle income earn
every worker will be better off, middle income earners
every worker will be better off, middle income earners,
every worker will be better off, middle income earn
every worker will be better off, middle income earners, it will be
down
middle income earners, it will be down to 44
middle income earners, it will be down to 44% and everybody else
middle income earners, it will be down to 44% and everybody else, just
under
down to 44% and everybody else, just under 50
down to 44% and everybody else, just under 50. Those under 10
down to 44% and everybody else, just under 50. Those under 100
down to 44% and everybody else, just under 50. Those under 100,000 about
down to 44% and everybody else, just under 50. Those under 100,000 will
pay
under 50. Those under 100,000 will pay an extra 5% draw
under 50. Those under 100,000 will pay an extra 5% claw back which
means
pay an extra 5% claw back which means every work
pay an extra 5% claw back which means every worker will be somewhat
better
means every worker will be somewhat better off
means every worker will be somewhat better off. The law back
means every worker will be somewhat better off. The law back, I went on
your
better off. The law back, I went on your handy calculate
better off. The law back, I went on your handy calculater on your
website
your handy calculater on your website, I want to give you
one
example,
website, I want to give you one example, a singer
website, I want to give you one example, a single earner couple
on who children on 40,000 they will
save
who children on 40,000 they will save 2
who children on 40,000 they will save 2,000 euro
who children on 40,000 they will save 2,000 euro, if you had the same
couple
save 2,000 euro, if you had the same couple earning 1
save 2,000 euro, if you had the same couple earning 150
save 2,000 euro, if you had the same couple earning 150,000, they are
actually
couple earning 150,000, they are actually going to save three times
that
actually going to save three times that, over six thousand
actually going to save three times that, over six thousand, where
is the fairness in that
that, over six thousand, where is the fairness in that? Well the
situation
the fairness in that? Well the situation will be that they will
lose
situation will be that they will lose income credit and pay 5
situation will be that they will lose income credit and pay 5%
surcharge
lose income credit and pay 5% surcharge over 10
lose income credit and pay 5% surcharge over 100
lose income credit and pay 5% surcharge over 100,000 and the
incomes tax
surcharge over 100,000 and the incomes tax. I used your calculator
on
incomes tax. I used your calculator on your website
incomes tax. I used your calculator on your website. The other people
obviously
on your website. The other people obviously middle income earn
on your website. The other people obviously middle income earners
will be down to 4
obviously middle income earners will be down to 44
obviously middle income earners will be down to 44%
obviously middle income earners will be down to 44%. I am just saying
it was kind of a simple question
be down to 44%. I am just saying it was kind of a simple question. Is it
fair
was kind of a simple question. Is it fair? Is that fair
was kind of a simple question. Is it fair? Is that fair? Auto
was kind of a simple question. Is it fair? Is that fair? The point
I am making
fair? Is that fair? The point I am making, every worker will benefit
from
making, every worker will benefit from Fine Gael's tax plan. That
little
from Fine Gael's tax plan. That little example, is that fair
from Fine Gael's tax plan. That little example, is that fair? Yes
but
little example, is that fair? Yes but for those under 7
little example, is that fair? Yes but for those under 70,000, it's
abolish
but for those under 70,000, it's abolished completely
but for those under 70,000, it's abolished completely. As I say
but for those under 70,000, it's abolished completely. As I say,
every
abolished completely. As I say, every worker benefits as a
consequence
every worker benefits as a consequence of that
every worker benefits as a consequence of that. It's a kind of
a
consequence of that. It's a kind of a simple question
consequence of that. It's a kind of a simple question, I gave you
an example from your own website, your
own
example from your own website, your own calculator
example from your own website, your own calculator, a couple on 40 grand
own calculator, a couple on 40 grand, but the couple who got 1
own calculator, a couple on 40 grand, but the couple who got 150
grand, but the couple who got 150,000 a year, they are three times
better
150,000 a year, they are three times better off than them, is that fair
150,000 a year, they are three times better off than them, is that fair?
I am
better off than them, is that fair? I am saying to you that every
workers
I am saying to you that every workers benefits from Fine Gael's
tax
workers benefits from Fine Gael's tax plan
workers benefits from Fine Gael's tax plan. I didn't ask you that
workers benefits from Fine Gael's tax plan. I didn't ask you that,
I asked you was it fair
tax plan. I didn't ask you that, I asked you was it fair. Those Would
benefit
asked you was it fair. Those Would benefit most under 7
asked you was it fair. Those Would benefit most under 70,000. I
asked you about that example. 40
benefit most under 70,000. I asked you about that example. 400
benefit most under 70,000. I asked you about that example. 400,000 out
of the USC
you about that example. 400,000 out of the USC all together
you about that example. 400,000 out of the USC all together,
it was imposed by Fianna Fail, they cut the
minimum
imposed by Fianna Fail, they cut the minimum wage
imposed by Fianna Fail, they cut the minimum wage. You are not going to
answer it
minimum wage. You are not going to answer it obviously. Miriam
minimum wage. You are not going to answer it obviously. Miriam,
can I come in on this please
answer it obviously. Miriam, can I come in on this please. Yes
answer it obviously. Miriam, can I come in on this please. Yes. The
first
come in on this please. Yes. The first thing that Sinn Fein will do
is
first thing that Sinn Fein will do is to get rid of water
charges and the family home tax
is to get rid of water charges and the family home tax. We will
also over the term of the government get
rid of
over the term of the government get rid of student fees and bring
in that type of health service that I
described earlier
that type of health service that I described earlier. Now the Taoiseach
quite
described earlier. Now the Taoiseach quite deliberately tried to fool the
people
quite deliberately tried to fool the people on one hand and to drive
quite deliberately tried to fool the people on one hand and to drive near
so ex of
people on one hand and to drive near so ex of people
people on one hand and to drive near so ex of people, they cooked the
books to say
so ex of people, they cooked the books to say they have an extra 2
billion
books to say they have an extra 2 billion they don't have and
we exposed this in the very first
week of the exam
exposed this in the very first week of the campaign and Michael Noonan
was
of the campaign and Michael Noonan was forced to admit it T
of the campaign and Michael Noonan was forced to admit it T. From your
own
was forced to admit it T. From your own website
was forced to admit it T. From your own website, the only amount people
would
own website, the only amount people would get back from the removal
own website, the only amount people would get back from the removal.
Property
would get back from the removal
would get back from the removal of the property tax and the water
charges is
the property tax and the water charges is 400 euro but you are
going
charges is 400 euro but you are going to put USC on everybody
everybody
going to put USC on everybody everybody over 20 grand
going to put USC on everybody everybody over 20 grand. We are
going
everybody over 20 grand. We are going to roll back all of
those miserable little mean spirit
going to roll back all of those miserable little mean spirited cuts
that
miserable little mean spirited cuts that make life miserable for people
that make life miserable for people. We are going to spend
prescription
people. We are going to spend prescription charges and make sure
people
prescription charges and make sure people who go to A&E don't pay
for it and people who go to GP
people who go to A&E don't pay for it and people who go to GPs don't
have to
it and people who go to GPs don't have to pay for it
it and people who go to GPs don't have to pay for it. Not only will
and
have to pay for it. Not only will and you have to look at our
proposals
and you have to look at our proposals in the round
and you have to look at our proposals in the round. For
an ordinary couple
proposals in the round. For an ordinary couple, on your website
proposals in the round. For an ordinary couple, on your website,
earning 30
ordinary couple, on your website, earning 30 or 40 grand a year,
they are only going to be better off by
400
are only going to be better off by 400 euro
are only going to be better off by 400 euro. They are not going to be
better
400 euro. They are not going to be better off under Fianna Fail. I am
talking about
better off under Fianna Fail. I am talking about Sinn Fein
better off under Fianna Fail. I am talking about Sinn Fein. I am just
making
talking about Sinn Fein. I am just making to the point - I am making
the
making to the point - I am making the point about you
making to the point - I am making the point about you. Plet me answer
the
the point about you. Plet me answer the question please
the point about you. Plet me answer the question please,
the point about you. Plet me answer the question please they are not
going
the question please they are not going to be better off the three
parties,
going to be better off the three parties, they act in the vested
interests
parties, they act in the vested interests and Fine Gael have been
targeting
interests and Fine Gael have been targeting a demographic of the
voters
targeting a demographic of the voters, the very high earn
targeting a demographic of the voters, the very high earners
voters, the very high earners. Everybody earning blow 10
voters, the very high earners. Everybody earning blow 100
Everybody earning blow 100,000 will be better off under Sinn Fein. And
the
be better off under Sinn Fein. And the people - The calculations on his
website
the people - The calculations on his website. The people particularly
at the bottom
website. The people particularly at the bottom, people whose children
are going
the bottom, people whose children are going to bed now hungry
the bottom, people whose children are going to bed now hungry. The
people
are going to bed now hungry. The people who are in hotel rooms now
are going to bed now hungry. The people who are in hotel rooms now,
the people
people who are in hotel rooms now, the people who are home
people who are in hotel rooms now, the people who are homeless,
almost 10
the people who are homeless, almost 100
the people who are homeless, almost 100,000. Let Joan Burton come in.
Rather
100,000. Let Joan Burton come in. Rather than give this money which
they
Rather than give this money which they don't have off to a section
of the electorate - We need to be fair
on
the electorate - We need to be fair on time. We will build house
the electorate - We need to be fair on time. We will build houses
for people
on time. We will build houses for people. Gerry
on time. We will build houses for people. Gerry, stop talking
on time. We will build houses for people. Gerry, stop talking. I think
Gerry Adams has
people. Gerry, stop talking. I think Gerry Adams has condemned out of his
own
Gerry Adams has condemned out of his own mouth
Gerry Adams has condemned out of his own mouth, what he said there is
that
own mouth, what he said there is that nobody earning above 20
that nobody earning above 20,000 will get any of those reliefs.
During the
will get any of those reliefs. During the emergency
will get any of those reliefs. During the emergency, there was an
extra
During the emergency, there was an extra income tax imposed on people
by
extra income tax imposed on people by Fianna Fail called the USC
extra income tax imposed on people by Fianna Fail called the USC. Now
the
by Fianna Fail called the USC. Now the Labour Party
by Fianna Fail called the USC. Now the Labour Party's plan for this is
absolutely
the Labour Party's plan for this is absolutely fair
the Labour Party's plan for this is absolutely fair. We will remove it
over
absolutely fair. We will remove it over a five year period
absolutely fair. We will remove it over a five year period, for people
earning up
over a five year period, for people earning up to 7
over a five year period, for people earning up to 72
over a five year period, for people earning up to 72,000. This
government
earning up to 72,000. This government is
earning up to 72,000. This government has brought brought 7
earning up to 72,000. This government has brought brought 77
earning up to 72,000. This government has brought brought 7700
government has brought brought 7
government has brought seven hundred thousand out of USC completely
government has brought seven hundred thousand out of USC completely. For
anybody
thousand out of USC completely. For anybody earning over 10
thousand out of USC completely. For anybody earning over 100
thousand out of USC completely. For anybody earning over 100,000,
they will get the same as possible
anybody earning over 100,000, they will get the same as somebody on 7
anybody earning over 100,000, they will get the same as somebody on 72
will get the same as somebody on 72,000 if
will get the same as somebody on 72,000. If they have more than 1
will get the same as somebody on 72,000. If they have more than 150
72,000. If they have more than 150,000, they will see no change or
reduction
150,000, they will see no change or reduction whatever in relation to
their
reduction whatever in relation to their tax
reduction whatever in relation to their tax. Now that's not only fair
but
their tax. Now that's not only fair but it's sound economic sense
but it's sound economic sense. Because if workers have a little bit
more
Because if workers have a little bit more money in terms of
their take-home pay
more money in terms of their take-home pay, they are going
to have more confidence in being able
to
have more confidence in being able to spend
have more confidence in being able to spend. And we will actually get
more
to spend. And we will actually get more than that back in terms
of growth and in terms of jobs in the
economy
growth and in terms of jobs in the economy. So it's a very carefully
prepared
economy. So it's a very carefully prepared plan by the Labour Party
economy. So it's a very carefully prepared plan by the Labour Party,
by
prepared plan by the Labour Party, by me
prepared plan by the Labour Party, by me, to actually have a fair tax
reform
by me, to actually have a fair tax reform in Ireland. Which will
benefit
reform in Ireland. Which will benefit low and middle income
families
benefit low and middle income families, particularly families with
children
families, particularly families with children because we'll also improve
child
children because we'll also improve child benefit
children because we'll also improve child benefit. In relation to
Sinn Fein's tax proposals
child benefit. In relation to Sinn Fein's tax proposals, they are going
to
Fein's tax proposals, they are going to kill jobs in this country and
kill
to kill jobs in this country and kill the SME
to kill jobs in this country and kill the SMEs and those who create
jobs
kill the SMEs and those who create jobs here and for someone on 40,000
kill the SMEs and those who create jobs here and for someone on 40,000,
Sinn Fein are proposing
jobs here and for someone on 40,000, Sinn Fein are proposing to take
about 8
Sinn Fein are proposing to take about 80
Sinn Fein are proposing to take about 800 euro a year out of their
pocket
about 800 euro a year out of their pocket by reducing and standardise
pocket by reducing and standardising tax relief for personal pensions
from
tax relief for personal pensions from 40% to 20
tax relief for personal pensions from 40% to 20%
tax relief for personal pensions from 40% to 20%. It's a devastating
blow
from 40% to 20%. It's a devastating blow to average income earn
from 40% to 20%. It's a devastating blow to average income earners and
it's
blow to average income earners and it's been hidden for the duration of
this
it's been hidden for the duration of this campaign
it's been hidden for the duration of this campaign. What we are proposing
is
this campaign. What we are proposing is to give families
this campaign. What we are proposing is to give families, average
families
is to give families, average families relief
is to give families, average families relief, gave them a break
through
families relief, gave them a break through a re
families relief, gave them a break through a red ushlgs in
families relief, gave them a break through a reduction in USC over time
and
through a reduction in USC over time and a tax credit targeted at young
families
and a tax credit targeted at young families given the ex
and a tax credit targeted at young families given the expense of
childcare
families given the expense of childcare. You are talking about ir
childcare. You are talking about irfairness
childcare. You are talking about irfairness, how can a party that cut
the
irfairness, how can a party that cut the minute mum
irfairness, how can a party that cut the minimum wage talk about fairness
I was
the minimum wage talk about fairness I was in a government that introus
the minimum wage talk about fairness I was in a government that
introduced
I was in a government that introduced the win mum wage,
- minimum wage
introduced the win mum wage, - minimum wage, brought it up to the
second
minimum wage, brought it up to the second highest in Europe before the
cash,
second highest in Europe before the cash, there was a major crash in the
economy
cash, there was a major crash in the economy and both Labour and
Fine Gael, that time
economy and both Labour and Fine Gael, that time, voted against every
measure
Gael, that time, voted against every measure taken to improve the public
finances
measure taken to improve the public finances and we know all about that
finances and we know all about that. The new government came in and
they
that. The new government came in and they did restore minimum wage
that. The new government came in and they did restore minimum wage. You
cut
they did restore minimum wage. You cut it
they did restore minimum wage. You cut it. I brought in the legislation
cut it. I brought in the legislation. We did bring in
cut it. I brought in the legislation. We did bring it in
first
legislation. We did bring it in first. You opposed it
legislation. We did bring it in first. You opposed it. I acknowledge
that
first. You opposed it. I acknowledge that and I learn from that but don't
take
that and I learn from that but don't take it from us
that and I learn from that but don't take it from us. That we brought
in the minimum wage and made it the
second
the minimum wage and made it the second highest in Europe
the minimum wage and made it the second highest in Europe. You are
all
second highest in Europe. You are all talking about fairness
second highest in Europe. You are all talking about fairness. In terms
of fairness
all talking about fairness. In terms of fairness and families
all talking about fairness. In terms of fairness and families, most
families
of fairness and families, most families I meet want a break
of fairness and families, most families I meet want a break. Young
parents
families I meet want a break. Young parents with children want help
with the childcare cost
parents with children want help with the childcare cost. You reduced by 6
the childcare cost. You reduced by 60
the childcare cost. You reduced by 600 and you cancelled the Christmas
bonus
600 and you cancelled the Christmas bonus. Yes and we acknowledge - a
600 and you cancelled the Christmas bonus. Yes and we acknowledge - aing
knowledge
bonus. Yes and we acknowledge - aing knowledge there was tough decisions
taken
knowledge there was tough decisions taken in 2009 and 2010
knowledge there was tough decisions taken in 2009 and 2010, they had
to be taken in terms of public finances
be taken in terms of public finances, these two
parties pretended there was another way and
opposed
pretended there was another way and opposed every one of those measures
that
opposed every one of those measures that restored all of the - I have to
bring
that restored all of the - I have to bring in the Taoiseach
that restored all of the - I have to bring in the Taoiseach. Gerry Adams
that restored all of the - I have to bring in the Taoiseach. Gerry Adams,
you have
bring in the Taoiseach. Gerry Adams, you have spoken more than
anybody else for the moment
you have spoken more than anybody else for the moment. What you
left behind on the table was a 3 billion
bill
behind on the table was a 3 billion bill every year to Anglo
Irish. That's not true. Now there's an
increase
That's not true. Now there's an increase in income taxes and the
fact
increase in income taxes and the fact they had already cut the
minimum
fact they had already cut the minimum wage
fact they had already cut the minimum wage, the government of
which I
minimum wage, the government of which I lead and Joan Burton
minimum wage, the government of which I lead and Joan Burton, as
Minister
which I lead and Joan Burton, as Minister for social protection
actually reversed
Minister for social protection actually reversed. We brought back
to the
actually reversed. We brought back to the Christmas
- (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Taoiseach
to the Christmas - (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Taoiseach, can I just say,
your
ONCE) Taoiseach, can I just say, your party is has flip flipped on
the
your party is has flip flipped on the USC
your party is has flip flipped on the USC, noon said the USC was never
intended
the USC, noon said the USC was never intended to be a temporary tax,
it was a necessary measure to widen the
tax
was a necessary measure to widen the tax base and it plays a vital party
was a necessary measure to widen the tax base and it plays a vital part
in
tax base and it plays a vital part in meeting many expenditure demands
on
in meeting many expenditure demands on the exchequer and now you are
planning
on the exchequer and now you are planning to abolish it
on the exchequer and now you are planning to abolish it. And
Michael Noonan answered this and I was asked
this
Noonan answered this and I was asked this question on
the Six One yesterday
this question on the Six One yesterday, clearly when you are able
to
yesterday, clearly when you are able to and have the chance
yesterday, clearly when you are able to and have the finances to reduce a
tax
to and have the finances to reduce a tax burden here
to and have the finances to reduce a tax burden here, more money
comes into the system
tax burden here, more money comes into the system. We looked
at this and from Fine Gael's point of view
and
and from Fine Gael's point of view and in our plan just cost
and in our plan just costed independent
and in our plan just costed independently by the
Department of Finance, we can afford to abolish U
Finance, we can afford to abolish USC over the five years with a taper
USC over the five years with a tapering effect above 7
USC over the five years with a tapering effect above 70,000 and a
claw back beyond
tapering effect above 70,000 and a claw back beyond that. Gerry Adams
tapering effect above 70,000 and a claw back beyond that. Gerry Adams,
your
claw back beyond that. Gerry Adams, your party has also completely flip
flopped and
your party has also completely flip flopped and changed your position
dramatically
flopped and changed your position dramatically, an March 29th
flopped and changed your position dramatically, an March 29th. 2011
dramatically, an March 29th. 2011, your party through a private members
bill
your party through a private members bill sought the abolition of the USC
bill sought the abolition of the USC, your finance spokesperson
Pearse Doherty
USC, your finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty described it as
little
Pearse Doherty described it as little more than a tax on
the working poor and a gross
little more than a tax on the working poor and a grossly unfair
tax
working poor and a grossly unfair tax. What changed
working poor and a grossly unfair tax. What changed? Well
working poor and a grossly unfair tax. What changed? Well, first
of all we campaigned to get sections of
workers
all we campaigned to get sections of workers taken out of it
all we campaigned to get sections of workers taken out of it, we are
going
workers taken out of it, we are going to take a
quarter of a million euro of workers out of a this time
around
euro of workers out of a this time around around secondly we cannot
afford
around around secondly we cannot afford - A tiny
around around secondly we cannot afford - A tinyexion is
around around secondly we cannot afford - A tinyexion section of
workers
afford - A tinyexion section of workers. Quarter of a million is a
lot
workers. Quarter of a million is a lot. We cannot afford to take four
billion
lot. We cannot afford to take four billion out of our tax base
lot. We cannot afford to take four billion out of our tax base. And
give
billion out of our tax base. And give it off on all of these
parties on the same page on this issue
give it off on all of these parties on the same page on this issue.
We are not. The and at the same time,
-
We are
are not. The and at the same time, - We are not. To develop the same type
sorry
We are not. To develop the same type sorry dhofl
We are not. To develop the same type sorry develop those type of public
services
sorry develop those type of public services that are required. You see
this
services that are required. You see this debate at the moment
services that are required. You see this debate at the moment. You said
it was a
this debate at the moment. You said it was a grossly unfair tax
this debate at the moment. You said it was a grossly unfair tax. That's
why
it was a grossly unfair tax. That's why we take people out of it
it was a grossly unfair tax. That's why we take people out of it. I want
to
why we take people out of it. I want to make another point. Anyone who
earns
to make another point. Anyone who earns over 20
to make another point. Anyone who earns over 20,000? Miriam
to make another point. Anyone who earns over 20,000? Miriam, all
the debates going on here, there's no
debate
debates going on here, there's no debate between these parties about
the
debate between these parties about the 20
debate between these parties about the 200
debate between these parties about the 200,000 that they give to
developers
the 200,000 that they give to developers who are - 20
the 200,000 that they give to developers who are - 200
the 200,000 that they give to developers who are - 200,000.
There's
developers who are - 200,000. There's no dispute within these
parties about
There's no dispute within these parties about their special advisers
getting a
parties about their special advisers getting a hike
parties about their special advisers getting a hike, getting bonuses and
going
getting a hike, getting bonuses and going through the cap
getting a hike, getting bonuses and going through the cap, including the
Tanaiste
going through the cap, including the Tanaiste, Micheal Martin and his
guy,
Tanaiste, Micheal Martin and his guy, and the Taoiseach
Tanaiste, Micheal Martin and his guy, and the Taoiseach. Now
Tanaiste, Micheal Martin and his guy, and the Taoiseach. Now, we are
-
guy, and the Taoiseach. Now, we are - I want to bring in the Tanaiste on
those points
- I want to bring in the Tanaiste on those points. No one everybody below
10
those points. No one everybody below 100
those points. No one everybody below 100,000 will have any new rate of
tax
100,000 will have any new rate of tax imposed by Sinn Fein. The point
about the
tax imposed by Sinn Fein. The point about the special advisors
tax imposed by Sinn Fein. The point about the special advisers
tax imposed by Sinn Fein. The point about the special advisers. The
point
about the special advisers. The point about Gerry Adams
about the special advisers. The point about Gerry Adams, we had the
extraordinary
point about Gerry Adams, we had the extraordinary spectacle of him a
couple of
extraordinary spectacle of him a couple of weeks ago describing a man
with
couple of weeks ago describing a man with bags and bags of hundreds of
thousands of
with bags and bags of hundreds of thousands of funds in his hey shed
with bags and bags of hundreds of thousands of funds in his hey sheds
with bags and bags of hundreds of thousands of funds in his hey sheds,
describing
thousands of funds in his hey sheds, describing him who is a tax default
describing him who is a tax defaulter as a good republican
describing him who is a tax defaulter as a good republican.
Anybody
defaulter as a good republican. Anybody who has come into work
into the public service
Anybody who has come into work into the public service, Deputy Adams
Anybody who has come into work into the public service, Deputy Adams,
comes in
the public service, Deputy Adams, comes in either through general
public
comes in either through general public service recruitment or
through
public service recruitment or through specific recruitment if
they are working with government
through specific recruitment if they are working with government. You
didn't break
are working with government. You didn't break your own cap
are working with government. You didn't break your own cap. All of
their
didn't break your own cap. All of their income is properly and fully
subject
their income is properly and fully subject to tax
their income is properly and fully subject to tax. And by the way,
anyone
subject to tax. And by the way, anyone who came in to work with us
took enormous
anyone who came in to work with us took enormous reductions compared to
what
took enormous reductions compared to what - And you didn't pay the
developers
what - And you didn't pay the developers 20
what - And you didn't pay the developers 200
what - And you didn't pay the developers 200,000. Sorry
what - And you didn't pay the developers 200,000. Sorry,
on developers
developers 200,000. Sorry, on developers, Gerry wouldn't know this
but
developers, Gerry wouldn't know this but in my earlier career as a
councillor
but in my earlier career as a councillor in County Dublin
but in my earlier career as a councillor in County Dublin, I
probably
councillor in County Dublin, I probably made my political career by
fighting
probably made my political career by fighting the corruption of
developers
fighting the corruption of developers and by the way, some of
them
developers and by the way, some of them - What did you do as Tanaiste
developers and by the way, some of them - What did you do as Tanaiste.
Let
them - What did you do as Tanaiste. Let Micheal come in
them - What did you do as Tanaiste. Let Micheal come in. Deputy Adams is
raising
Let Micheal come in. Deputy Adams is raising an issue about expenses and
so on
raising an issue about expenses and so on, special advise,
raising an issue about expenses and so on, special advise
raising an issue about expenses and so on, special source
raising an issue about expenses and so on, special source,
raising an issue about expenses and so on, special advisers
raising an issue about expenses and so on, special advisers, he took a
million from
so on, special advisers, he took a million from Westminster
so on, special advisers, he took a million from Westminster, though he
never
million from Westminster, though he never attended
million from Westminster, though he never attended. I elected not to
attend
never attended. I elected not to attend. You took a million,
there was a spotlight programme that went
through
was a spotlight programme that went through the front organisations that
you
through the front organisations that you establish
through the front organisations that you established in Northern Ireland
to
you established in Northern Ireland to take money under false pretences
you established in Northern Ireland to take money under false pretences.
The
to take money under false pretences. The substantive issue
to take money under false pretences. The substantive issue, the tax
to take money under false pretences. The substantive issue, the tax,
I would say this much
The substantive issue, the tax, I would say this much, it is without
question
would say this much, it is without question the biggest promise
would say this much, it is without question the biggest promised in
Irish
question the biggest promised in Irish electoral question and it's
wrong
Irish electoral question and it's wrong to take an entire tax out
of the system and 2 does favour the
wealth
the system and 2 does favour the wealthiest and that's the Taoiseach
wealthiest and that's the Taoiseach's philosophy
wealthiest and that's the Taoiseach's philosophy, he said I
Taoiseach's philosophy, he said he
wanted to
Taoiseach's philosophy, he said he wanted to bring US tax rates into
Ireland and
wanted to bring US tax rates into Ireland and he wants everybody
else to wait then in the queue
until that is done
to wait then in the queue until that is done. Because it's the number one
priority
is done. Because it's the number one priority, health can wait
is done. Because it's the number one priority, health can wait, housing
can
priority, health can wait, housing can wait, crime can wait
priority, health can wait, housing can wait, crime can wait. I need to
bring
can wait, crime can wait. I need to bring the Taoiseach in. The priority
is
bring the Taoiseach in. The priority is to get rid of a tax
bring the Taoiseach in. The priority is to get rid of a tax, four
billion,
is to get rid of a tax, four billion, huge. Be fair. Let the
Taoiseach
billion, huge. Be fair. Let the Taoiseach in
billion, huge. Be fair. Let the Taoiseach in. I describe
billion, huge. Be fair. Let the Taoiseach in. I described what they
left
Taoiseach in. I described what they left behind
Taoiseach in. I described what they left behind. A lelg see
Taoiseach in. I described what they left behind. A legacy of ineptitude
Taoiseach in. I described what they left behind. A legacy of ineptitude,
nobody
left behind. A legacy of ineptitude, nobody said we would be able to
create
nobody said we would be able to create 30
nobody said we would be able to create 300
nobody said we would be able to create 300,000 jobs by 2013, the
private
create 300,000 jobs by 2013, the private sector created 1
create 300,000 jobs by 2013, the private sector created 135,000 jobs
create 300,000 jobs by 2013, the private sector created 135,000 jobs,
let
private sector created 135,000 jobs, let me remind Micheal Martin of
something,
let me remind Micheal Martin of something, between 2
let me remind Micheal Martin of something, between 2000 and 2007
let me remind Micheal Martin of something, between 2000 and 2007, 66
out
something, between 2000 and 2007, 66 out of every hundred jobs
created came through the public service or
out of every hundred jobs created construction
out of every hundred jobs created construction, just one job out of a
10
construction, just one job out of a 100 through exports
construction, just one job out of a 100 through exports. In terms of the
money
100 through exports. In terms of the money that they are talking
about spending
money that they are talking about spending, you can only generate that
by
spending, you can only generate that by create
spending, you can only generate that by creating jobs
spending, you can only generate that by creating jobs. Now we know how to
create
by creating jobs. Now we know how to create 10
by creating jobs. Now we know how to create 100
by creating jobs. Now we know how to create 100,000 jobs
by creating jobs. Now we know how to create 100,000 jobs. Our progress
now
create 100,000 jobs. Our progress now is
create 100,000 jobs. Our programme
now
create 100,000 jobs. Our programme now is for 20
create 100,000 jobs. Our programme now is for 200
create 100,000 jobs. Our programme now is for 200,000. You will not be
create
now is for 200,000. You will not be creating those jobs
now is for 200,000. You will not be creating those jobs. And that means
that
creating those jobs. And that means that the
creating those jobs. And that means that the, less than the taxes on
people
that the, less than the taxes on people, more people working
that the, less than the taxes on people, more people working, invest
the
people, more people working, invest the proceeds of that in
employing teachers
the proceeds of that in employing teachers, Gardai and nurses and
doctors
teachers, Gardai and nurses and doctors and so on and that's what
drives the
doctors and so on and that's what drives the economy forward
doctors and so on and that's what drives the economy forward. All
of this talk from Sinn Fein and from
Fianna Fail is
this talk from Sinn Fein and from Fianna Fail is predicated on
keeping the recovery going
Fianna Fail is predicated on keeping the recovery going. They seem to
assume
the recovery going. They seem to assume that it's here to stay
the recovery going. They seem to assume that it's here to stay. And
that's
assume that it's here to stay. And that's why complacency is the enemy
that's why complacency is the enemy. You mentioned teachers and
guards
enemy. You mentioned teachers and guards, a lot of people contacted me
to say
guards, a lot of people contacted me to say what it fair about guard
guards, a lot of people contacted me to say what it fair about guards and
teachers
to say what it fair about guards and teachers starting off and earning a
lot
teachers starting off and earning a lot less than their colleagues and a
new
lot less than their colleagues and a new guard starting on 23,000 a year?
That's
new guard starting on 23,000 a year? That's the legacy they left behind
them
That's the legacy they left behind them. When they closed Templemore
Garda
them. When they closed Templemore Garda training session and
clapped out vehicles with a half a
million miles for Gardai to drive around
miles for Gardai to drive around. Not true
miles for Gardai to drive around. Not true. You only opened it again
in
Not true. You only opened it again in 2014. We are committed to proper
pay
in 2014. We are committed to proper pay negotiations and proper
structures
pay negotiations and proper structuress for the time ahead and
I am glaz to see the young nurses
today,
am glaz to see the young nurses today, an arrangement has been
reached in
today, an arrangement has been reached in that regard
today, an arrangement has been reached in that regard. We are
going to take a break and we'll come back
-
to take a break and we'll come back - The Taoiseach
to take a break and we'll come back - The Taoiseach's party is
not the
young
- The Taoiseach's party is not the young teachers and guards
- The Taoiseach's party is not the young teachers and guards. Stay
with us
young teachers and guards. Stay with us. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Go make a mug
of
us. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Go make a mug of tea
us. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Go make a mug of tea, join us in a few minutes
us. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Go make a mug of tea, join us in a few minutes.
Welcome
Welcome back to Prime Time
Welcome back to Prime Time, to the final leaders debate
Welcome back to Prime Time, to the final leaders debate, I want to go
straight
final leaders debate, I want to go straight back in
final leaders debate, I want to go straight back in, we are moving now
to the
straight back in, we are moving now to the enormous issue of home
to the enormous issue of homelessness and to housing
to the enormous issue of homelessness and to housing. A
record
homelessness and to housing. A record 1
homelessness and to housing. A record 125 families fell into home
record 125 families fell into homelessness last year
record 125 families fell into homelessness last year, a damning
legacy
homelessness last year, a damning legacy for you the government
that you have and the Taoiseach have been
part
you have and the Taoiseach have been part of
you have and the Taoiseach have been part of, last year you built just
28 local authority social
and affordable house
local authority social and affordable houses
local authority social and affordable houses, is that a damning
statistic
affordable houses, is that a damning statistic? I think your statistic is
not
statistic? I think your statistic is not quite correct
statistic? I think your statistic is not quite correct, it doesn't show
the
not quite correct, it doesn't show the full picture
not quite correct, it doesn't show the full picture. If you look at
how many families and individuals got
social
many families and individuals got social house
many families and individuals got social houses through the local
authority
social houses through the local authority, there is actually over 4
authority, there is actually over 4,000 social house
authority, there is actually over 4,000 social houses given out via
local
4,000 social houses given out via local authorities
4,000 social houses given out via local authorities. Now
4,000 social houses given out via local authorities. Now, a thousand
of
local authorities. Now, a thousand of those were new build
local authorities. Now, a thousand of those were new builds,
I don't know where you got your figure from
know where you got your figure from. Some were purchased
know where you got your figure from. Some were purchased, a small
number
from. Some were purchased, a small number frp
from. Some were purchased, a small number were built but we are ratchet
number were built but we are ratcheting up the building programme
of the
ratcheting up the building programme of the local authorities
ratcheting up the building programme of the local authorities. The rest
for instance
of the local authorities. The rest for instance a lot of them were the
boarded
for instance a lot of them were the boarded up flats that people
are familiar with
boarded up flats that people are familiar with. The boarded up house
boarded up flats that people are familiar with. The boarded up houses
in
familiar with. The boarded up houses in local authority estates
familiar with. The boarded up houses in local authority estates. Those
house
in local authority estates. Those houses were practically re
in local authority estates. Those houses were practically rebuilt
in local authority estates. Those houses were practically rebuilt. And
re
houses were practically rebuilt. And reprioritised them
houses were practically rebuilt. And reprioritised them. Just as we
came into government
reprioritised them. Just as we came into government,
into government, there were thousands of ghost estates and
we have actually re
thousands of ghost estates and we have actually refinished and
opened up 2
have actually refinished and opened up 2,30
have actually refinished and opened up 2,300 ghost estates
have actually refinished and opened up 2,300 ghost estates. Now not feel
when
up 2,300 ghost estates. Now not feel when you look at the people every
day on
when you look at the people every day on our television
when you look at the people every day on our televisions talking
about being home
day on our televisions talking about being homeless, young couple
day on our televisions talking about being homeless, young couples with
young
being homeless, young couples with young children
being homeless, young couples with young children, in the 50
being homeless, young couples with young children, in the 50s and 60
it's
young children, in the 50s and 60 it's, this country was a poor place
and
it's, this country was a poor place and yet we manage
it's, this country was a poor place and yet we managed to build council
houses
and yet we managed to build council houses for our people
and yet we managed to build council houses for our people, we manage
and yet we managed to build council houses for our people, we managed to
give
houses for our people, we managed to give people a roof over their heads
give people a roof over their heads. Isn't it almost shame
give people a roof over their heads. Isn't it almost shameful that
in
heads. Isn't it almost shameful that in this day and age
heads. Isn't it almost shameful that in this day and age, that number of
people
in this day and age, that number of people are without a home? My heart
goes
people are without a home? My heart goes out to anyone
people are without a home? My heart goes out to anyone, particularly
anyone
goes out to anyone, particularly anyone with a child who doesn't have
a
anyone with a child who doesn't have a home that they can call their own
anyone with a child who doesn't have a home that they can call their own.
As
a home that they can call their own. As a government
a home that they can call their own. As a government, of course we have a
responsibility to
As a government, of course we have a responsibility to fix this. And our
plan
responsibility to fix this. And our plan and we have allocating
responsibility to fix this. And our plan and we have allocate
responsibility to fix this. And our plan and we have allocated the
funding
plan and we have allocated the funding is to put over 4 billion,
the
funding is to put over 4 billion, the biggest social housing plan
in the history
the biggest social housing plan in the history. And that has actually
started
the history. And that has actually started. But Tanaiste
the history. And that has actually started. But Tanaiste, sorry to cut
across
started. But Tanaiste, sorry to cut across you
started. But Tanaiste, sorry to cut across you, isn't it too
started. But Tanaiste, sorry to cut across you, isn't it too late, it's
the
across you, isn't it too late, it's the end of your ten
across you, isn't it too late, it's the end of your tenure
across you, isn't it too late, it's the end of your tenure, a five year
government,
the end of your tenure, a five year government, we have had a record 1
government, we have had a record 125 families all into home
government, we have had a record 125 families all into homelessness last
month
families all into homelessness last month, that's a damning legacy
families all into homelessness last month, that's a damning legacy. And
last
month, that's a damning legacy. And last year
month, that's a damning legacy. And last year, a thousand families left
being
last year, a thousand families left being home
last year, a thousand families left being homeless, that was almost 2
being homeless, that was almost 2,000 people
being homeless, that was almost 2,000 people. Now as a
being homeless, that was almost 2,000 people. Now as astayed
being homeless, that was almost 2,000 people. Now as assayed
being homeless, that was almost 2,000 people. Now as assayed,
I don't want to see - as I said,
I don't want to see home
don't want to see - as I said, I don't want to see homelessness at
any
don't want to see homelessness at any stage but what we also have to
do
any stage but what we also have to do as well as building all the
social
do as well as building all the social house
do as well as building all the social houses
do as well as building all the social houses, another part of the
picture
social houses, another part of the picture is to start again
social houses, another part of the picture is to start again, to kick
start
picture is to start again, to kick start the construction industry,
building
start the construction industry, building affordable homes
start the construction industry, building affordable homes. Just
before
building affordable homes. Just before we move off it, was the it
the
before we move off it, was the it the idea
before we move off it, was the it the idealogical stance of
Michael Noonan and the Taoiseach that you
lowered rent
Noonan and the Taoiseach that you lowered rent supplement and then
despite
lowered rent supplement and then despite everyone who knows
about home
despite everyone who knows about homelessness in the city
despite everyone who knows about homelessness in the city, all the
people
homelessness in the city, all the people who worked so hard on it
homelessness in the city, all the people who worked so hard on it,
told
people who worked so hard on it, told you that would top he will over
vulnerable
told you that would top he will over vulnerable families into home
vulnerable families into homelessness and it did. Can I say
vulnerable families into homelessness and it did. Can I say,
last
homelessness and it did. Can I say, last year
homelessness and it did. Can I say, last year, we house
homelessness and it did. Can I say, last year, we housed 13
homelessness and it did. Can I say, last year, we housed 13,000 families
The
last year, we housed 13,000 families The majority of them through social
rent
The majority of them through social renting. And this year
The majority of them through social renting. And this year, we will
house
renting. And this year, we will house another 17,000 families
renting. And this year, we will house another 17,000 families. So
the
house another 17,000 families. So the problem is actually being worked
on
the problem is actually being worked on as we speak but more importantly
the problem is actually being worked on as we speak but more importantly,
on as we speak but more importantly
on as we speak but more importantly,
we
on as we speak but more importantly, we created the resources
on as we speak but more importantly, we created the resources. You
mentioned
we created the resources. You mentioned 28 earlier
we created the resources. You mentioned 28 earlier, 28 social and
affordable
mentioned 28 earlier, 28 social and affordable house
mentioned 28 earlier, 28 social and affordable houses were built last
year
affordable houses were built last year, we got that from the
statistics
year, we got that from the statistics from the department
of the environment
statistics from the department of the environment. Miriam
statistics from the department of the environment. Miriam,
I don't want to trade statistics
the environment. Miriam, I don't want to trade statistics. In one
little
want to trade statistics. In one little part of my en constituency
before
little part of my en constituency before Christmas
little part of my en constituency before Christmas, 2
little part of my en constituency before Christmas, 22 brand new house
before Christmas, 22 brand new houses were given over to families
with
houses were given over to families with another 2
houses were given over to families with another 22 in the first couple
of
with another 22 in the first couple of months. Were they local authority
new bill
of months. Were they local authority new bills
of months. Were they local authority new bills? Absolutely
of months. Were they local authority new bills? Absolutely. Then it's the
Department of Environment
new bills? Absolutely. Then it's the Department of Environment has got
wrong
Department of Environment has got wrong number, let Micheal Martin in
there
wrong number, let Micheal Martin in there and then Gerry
wrong number, let Micheal Martin in there and then Gerry. It is a
shame
there and then Gerry. It is a shameful record
there and then Gerry. It is a shameful record. It is absolutely
damning indictment
shameful record. It is absolutely damning indictment of the government
damning indictment of the government, they got
damning indictment of the government, they got, they have
allowed a
government, they got, they have allowed a problem become a crisis
government, they got, they have allowed a problem become a crisis.
And
allowed a problem become a crisis. And it's all don't mebl
allowed a problem become a crisis. And it's all documented over the
last three
And it's all documented over the last three years and there's a link
between
last three years and there's a link between cause an effect, the
decision
between cause an effect, the decision to reduce rent supplement
and the
decision to reduce rent supplement and the rent cap and get rid of
mortgage
and the rent cap and get rid of mortgage interest supplement for
unemployed
mortgage interest supplement for unemployed person
mortgage interest supplement for unemployed person, all the mechanism
unemployed person, all the mechanisms that were in place to
help
mechanisms that were in place to help vulnerable families were taken
away
help vulnerable families were taken away and full veshl families
help vulnerable families were taken away vulnerable families were driven
into home
away vulnerable families were driven into homelessness. I have a St
away vulnerable families were driven into homelessness. I have a
statistic
into homelessness. I have a statistic for you as well, under
your
statistic for you as well, under your watch from 2008 and to 2010
statistic for you as well, under your watch from 2008 and to 2010,
the
your watch from 2008 and to 2010, the number of house
your watch from 2008 and to 2010, the number of houses being built
more
the number of houses being built more than halved, the collapse in
social
more than halved, the collapse in social housing began with you, from
4
social housing began with you, from 4, 90
social housing began with you, from 4, 9
social housing began with you, from 4, 90
social housing began with you, from 4, 905 down to 13 hundred
social housing began with you, from 4, 905 down to 13 hundred. It began
with you.
4, 905 down to 13 hundred. It began with you. It's unfair
4, 905 down to 13 hundred. It began with you. It's unfair. The
homelessness
with you. It's unfair. The homelessness we are experiencing now
in
homelessness we are experiencing now in did not begin with us
homelessness we are experiencing now in did not begin with us, you can't
blame
in did not begin with us, you can't blame Fianna Fail or everything. It
ground
blame Fianna Fail or everything. It ground to a halt. It's St stack
blame Fianna Fail or everything. It ground to a halt. It's St stack.
It's
ground to a halt. It's St stack. It's a statistic
ground to a halt. It's St stack. It's a statistic. 14
ground to a halt. It's St stack. It's a statistic. 14,000, between 2
It's a statistic. 14,000, between 2000 and 7 - Not after the crash
2000 and 7 - Not after the crash. In the middle of the crash
2000 and 7 - Not after the crash. In the middle of the crash. Plus 6
the middle of the crash. Plus 6,000 from the social - We'll let
Gerry Adams come in there
from the social - We'll let Gerry Adams come in there. I want to make
the
Adams come in there. I want to make the other key point
Adams come in there. I want to make the other key point, what we need to
do
the other key point, what we need to do is help those families
the other key point, what we need to do is help those families, keep
saying
do is help those families, keep saying to the people who are home
saying to the people who are homeless, we must think of the
recovery
homeless, we must think of the recovery going forward is sickening
to
recovery going forward is sickening to them
recovery going forward is sickening to them, we must increase rent
allowance
to them, we must increase rent allowance and take the head out
of the sand and acknowledge the
mistakes
the sand and acknowledge the mistakes you made
the sand and acknowledge the mistakes you made. Let the Taoiseach
in
mistakes you made. Let the Taoiseach in and then Gerry
mistakes you made. Let the Taoiseach in and then Gerry. Let the Taoiseach
come in
in and then Gerry. Let the Taoiseach come in. Let me deal with the
question
come in. Let me deal with the question of rent subsidy
come in. Let me deal with the question of rent subsidy. First
of all I share the view that everybody
should have
all I share the view that everybody should have access to an affordable
and
should have access to an affordable and secure home
should have access to an affordable and secure home. But let's say
you have a thousand house
and secure home. But let's say you have a thousand houses. And that's
all
have a thousand houses. And that's all you have got
have a thousand houses. And that's all you have got. And giving
an increase in rent subsidy goes
straight
increase in rent subsidy goes straight to the landlords doesn't
deal
straight to the landlords doesn't deal with the question of supply.
And
deal with the question of supply. And supply is the key issue here
deal with the question of supply. And supply is the key issue here.
The
And supply is the key issue here. The more house
And supply is the key issue here. The more houses you build
And supply is the key issue here. The more houses you build, the more
you can
The more houses you build, the more you can, be able to house people
you can, be able to house people. Now today for instance
you can, be able to house people. Now today for instance, this day
Now today for instance, this day, this Tuesday
Now today for instance, this day, this Tuesday, there are 9
Now today for instance, this day, this Tuesday, there are 926 house
Now today for instance, this day, this Tuesday, there are 926 houses
being
this Tuesday, there are 926 houses being built on 6
this Tuesday, there are 926 houses being built on 63 sites around
the country by local authorities. The
government
country by local authorities. The government, Fine Gael and Labour
country by local authorities. The government, Fine Gael and Labour,
have
government, Fine Gael and Labour, have put three billion on the table,
given
have put three billion on the table, given instructions their targets and
in
given instructions their targets and
objective
given instructions their targets and objective, we are reduced builders
levies
objective, we are reduced builders levies in Cork and Dublin and
we have dhaing
levies in Cork and Dublin and we have changed planning guidelines to
make
have changed planning guidelines to make it easier to build house
have changed planning guidelines to make it easier to build houses an
get
make it easier to build houses an get on with it of the
make it easier to build houses an get on with it of the. Is it very
late
get on with it of the. Is it very late, it's the end of your tenure
and
late, it's the end of your tenure and we have 1
late, it's the end of your tenure and we have 125 families last month
becoming
and we have 125 families last month becoming home
and we have 125 families last month becoming homeless? Hold on
and we have 125 families last month becoming homeless? Hold on. Five
thousand
becoming homeless? Hold on. Five thousand renovated house
becoming homeless? Hold on. Five thousand renovated houses and
apartments
thousand renovated houses and apartments given back to families
thousand renovated houses and apartments given back to families,
the Tanaiste
apartments given back to families, the Tanaiste pointed out 5
apartments given back to families, the Tanaiste pointed out 5,8
apartments given back to families, the Tanaiste pointed out 5,80
apartments given back to families, the Tanaiste pointed out 5,800
helped direct
the Tanaiste pointed out 5,800 helped directly by increasing the
rent
helped directly by increasing the rent subsidy through the threshold
and
rent subsidy through the threshold and Department of Social Protection
and Department of Social Protection. There are approved
building
Protection. There are approved building bodies building house
Protection. There are approved building bodies building houses
and the government have put its money on
the taiblted and
the government have put its money on the taiblted and said get on with
this
the taiblted and said get on with this. And I expect
the taiblted and said get on with this. And I expect, we had 3
this. And I expect, we had 3,000 goths
this. And I expect, we had 3,000 ghost estates
this. And I expect, we had 3,000 ghost estates, we are looking for
trainee
ghost estates, we are looking for trainee trades people in - I want to
bring
trainee trades people in - I want to bring in Gerry Adams to be fair to
people
bring in Gerry Adams to be fair to people. I know you have loads of
ideas,
people. I know you have loads of ideas, like they have loads of
ideas for building affordable house
ideas, like they have loads of ideas for building affordable houses and
social
for building affordable houses and social housing but young couple
for building affordable houses and social housing but young couples
starting
social housing but young couples starting out
social housing but young couples starting out, they haven't a hope of
buying a
starting out, they haven't a hope of buying a home at the moment
starting out, they haven't a hope of buying a home at the moment,
can you point to anything in your
manifesto that will encourage the building of
a
that will encourage the building of a affordable hospital
that will encourage the building of a affordable hospital? Ordinary
homes for
a affordable hospital? Ordinary homes for young couple
a affordable hospital? Ordinary homes for young couples starting out
Yes
homes for young couples starting out Yes, let me deal with this big flaw
in
Yes, let me deal with this big flaw in what we have heard from all of
these
in what we have heard from all of these folks. Er
in what we have heard from all of these folks. They abdicate
in what we have heard from all of these folks. They abdicated the
state
these folks. They abdicated the state's responsibility to provide
families
state's responsibility to provide families with a home, they gave
it to private developers and landlords
to private developers and landlords. We warned them that this
crisis
landlords. We warned them that this crisis was going to become an
emergency
crisis was going to become an emergency. We asked them to empower
the Central Bank
emergency. We asked them to empower the Central Bank to for the cap on
mortgages,
the Central Bank to for the cap on mortgages, there's lots of people in
mortgage
mortgages, there's lots of people in mortgage distress just getting
through
mortgage distress just getting through and working very hard
mortgage distress just getting through and working very hard, luck
mortgage distress just getting through and working very hard, lucky
enough to have
through and working very hard, lucky enough to have a job
through and working very hard, lucky enough to have a job, just to pay
the
enough to have a job, just to pay the mortgage
enough to have a job, just to pay the mortgage. And we also asked them
to
the mortgage. And we also asked them to link rents to inflation and what
did
to link rents to inflation and what did they say. We can't
interfere with the market
did they say. We can't interfere with the market. We come from the
premises
with the market. We come from the premises that people do have
the right to a home and the state should
build
right to a home and the state should build and thank we will
right to a home and the state should build and and we will invest five
billion in
build and and we will invest five billion in that and that will take
account
billion in that and that will take account of the young people who want
to
account of the young people who want to start a home. The credit union
have
to start a home. The credit union have 9 billion which is Lang
to start a home. The credit union have 9 billion which is languish
to start a home. The credit union have 9 billion which is languishing
have 9 billion which is languishing. Sorry
have 9 billion which is languishing. Sorry, I am sure you
all
languishing. Sorry, I am sure you all do meet people who are trying to
buy
all do meet people who are trying to buy homes, young people
all do meet people who are trying to buy homes, young people, what are
you
buy homes, young people, what are you actually going to do
buy homes, young people, what are you actually going to do,
Gerry Adams, to help them buy ordinary
homes,
Adams, to help them buy ordinary homes, not social housing
Adams, to help them buy ordinary homes, not social housing? We
use the term social housing and
affordable
the term social housing and affordable housing
the term social housing and affordable housing, so we will
invest
affordable housing, so we will invest the 2
affordable housing, so we will invest the 2.
affordable housing, so we will invest the 2.6 billion and roll out
in the
invest the 2.6 billion and roll out in the five years of a government
invest the 2.6 billion and roll out in the five years of a government,
36
in the five years of a government, 36,000 homes
in the five years of a government, 36,000 homes. But Gerry Adams, most
people
36,000 homes. But Gerry Adams, most people to be honest don't rely on
social
people to be honest don't rely on social housing
people to be honest don't rely on social housing, thank God
people to be honest don't rely on social housing, thank God, they
don't
social housing, thank God, they don't. They just want to - What
world
don't. They just want to - What world do you live in. We want to buy
an ordinary
world do you live in. We want to buy an ordinary house
world do you live in. We want to buy an ordinary house. And we will
ensure
an ordinary house. And we will ensure that we can do that and
it will be built to the highest
standards
will be built to the highest standards and it will be at
affordable
standards and it will be at affordable rates
standards and it will be at affordable rates. But what
standards and it will be at affordable rates. But what, you are
talking
affordable rates. But what, you are talking about social affordable
house
talking about social affordable house lgs
talking about social affordable house lgs. I am talking about that
young
house lgs. I am talking about that young couple you have referred to
who
young couple you have referred to who want to buy a start
young couple you have referred to who want to buy a starter home
who want to buy a starter home. What are you going to do for them
are you going to do for them? We have ensured that mortgages will be
kept
have ensured that mortgages will be kept linked and to a sustainable
economic
kept linked and to a sustainable economic reality in their lives
kept linked and to a sustainable economic reality in their lives.
That
economic reality in their lives. That people will have the
opportunity, we will
That people will have the opportunity, we will work with
housing
opportunity, we will work with housing associations and others
to provide
housing associations and others to provide. I want to dismiss
housing associations and others to provide. I want to dismiss, if I can
the
provide. I want to dismiss, if I can the point you said that most people
don't
the point you said that most people don't depend upon social and
affordable
don't depend upon social and affordable house
don't depend upon social and affordable houses. That is a
huge crisis at this moment
affordable houses. That is a huge crisis at this moment. It's what
I have been talking
crisis at this moment. It's what I have been talking. There are five
thousand
have been talking. There are five thousand people who aren't looking
for
thousand people who aren't looking for a starter home. They are looking
for
for a starter home. They are looking for a home. They are looking for
somewhere off
for a home. They are looking for somewhere off the couch
for a home. They are looking for somewhere off the couch. There are
people
somewhere off the couch. There are people sleeping in cars and sleeping
in
people sleeping in cars and sleeping in their parents homes. Let me say
what
in their parents homes. Let me say what we have in our manifesto direct
what we have in our manifesto directly in our manifesto people can
read
directly in our manifesto people can read it, we have a save to buy
scheme
read it, we have a save to buy scheme, in other words, if a young
people
scheme, in other words, if a young people are saving for three to five
years
people are saving for three to five years fog every year that they say
people are saving for three to five years fog every year that they say,
they will
years fog every year that they say, they will when they finally buy that
wonderful
they will when they finally buy that wonderful home they want to have
they will when they finally buy that wonderful home they want to have,
they
wonderful home they want to have, they want to live in and bring up
their
they want to live in and bring up their family
they want to live in and bring up their family, they will get 12
their family, they will get 1200 euro up to a maximum of 6
their family, they will get 1200 euro up to a maximum of 6,000 euro
euro up to a maximum of 6,000 euro. That will actually, and
euro up to a maximum of 6,000 euro. That will actually
euro up to a maximum of 6,000 euro.
And
euro up to a maximum of 6,000 euro. And that will be done through the
post offices
And that will be done through the post offices where they can save on
a weekly
post offices where they can save on a weekly or monthly basis
post offices where they can save on a weekly or monthly basis. The
other thing I have asked to see happen and
we'll know
thing I have asked to see happen and we'll know by early summer
what the decision is, we have an
independent Central Bank
decision is, we have an independent Central Bank, I am not sure Gerry
appreciates
Central Bank, I am not sure Gerry appreciates that and the goth
governor
appreciates that and the goth governor of the
appreciates that and governor is
compag the
appreciates that and governor is compag the issue - examining the
issues
compag the issue - examining the issues whether families we know,
paying
issues whether families we know, paying 90
issues whether families we know, paying 900
issues whether families we know, paying 900, 1
issues whether families we know, paying 900, 1100 to rent a
house or
apartment,
paying 900, 1100 to rent a house or apartment, that rent should actually
be
apartment, that rent should actually be included as part of the
calculation
be included as part of the calculation of what their deposit
requirement
calculation of what their deposit requirement is
calculation of what their deposit requirement is. That's an
independent decision
requirement is. That's an independent decision of the governor
of the
independent decision of the governor of the Central Bank
independent decision of the governor of the Central Bank. And we need
independent decision of the governor of the Central Bank. And we need,
because
of the Central Bank. And we need, because of the bank
of the Central Bank. And we need, because of the bank's crash
of the Central Bank. And we need, because of the bank's crashing, we
need
because of the bank's crashing, we need a strongly independent
Central Bank
need a strongly independent Central Bank. But we will do those things
need a strongly independent Central Bank. But we will do those things,
save to
Bank. But we will do those things, save to buy
Bank. But we will do those things, save to buy, and have a calculation
-
save to buy, and have a calculation - You want to extend mortgage
relief and provide grant for first time
buyers but
and provide grant for first time buyers but given the catastrophic
housing
buyers but given the catastrophic housing crisis
buyers but given the catastrophic housing crisis, that you presided
over
housing crisis, that you presided over as part of a
Fianna Fail government
over as part of a Fianna Fail government, isn't the sounding alarm
bells
government, isn't the sounding alarm bells and the economist Colm
McCarthy
bells and the economist Colm McCarthy said, you will just bring
back the bubble if you
McCarthy said, you will just bring back the bubble if you do that
McCarthy said, you will just bring back the bubble if you do that. You
asked a
back the bubble if you do that. You asked a question about first time
buyers,
asked a question about first time buyers, they do need assistance
asked a question about first time buyers, they do need assistance,
they have
buyers, they do need assistance, they have to get up 20
buyers, they do need assistance, they have to get up 20,000 in terms
of or
they have to get up 20,000 in terms of or higher
they have to get up 20,000 in terms of or higher, 20
they have to get up 20,000 in terms of or higher, 20% deposit
they have to get up 20,000 in terms of or higher, 20% deposits and
so forth
of or higher, 20% deposits and so forth, we are saying for every five
euro
forth, we are saying for every five euro you save, the state will give
you
euro you save, the state will give you one euro in our savings scheme
up
you one euro in our savings scheme up to a limit of 20
you one euro in our savings scheme up to a limit of 20,000 per
individuals in
up to a limit of 20,000 per individuals in a couple. That will
give
individuals in a couple. That will give them assistance and help to get
the
give them assistance and help to get the deposit which is
proving difficult now because of guidelines
to
difficult now because of guidelines to purchase houses
difficult now because of guidelines to purchase houses. This is a
housing
to purchase houses. This is a housing emergency which needs action
on
housing emergency which needs action on all fronts. The private seven
housing emergency which needs action on all fronts. The private rental
sick
on all fronts. The private rental sicktor is
on all fronts. The private rental sector is in a crisis
on all fronts. The private rental sector is in a crisis, in
needs incentivise
sector is in a crisis, in needs incentivising to have
longer security and tenure for people rent
security and tenure for people renting. Many people can't get
anywhere to
renting. Many people can't get anywhere to rent in cities. This is
a
anywhere to rent in cities. This is a crisis that happened on this
government
a crisis that happened on this government's watch
a crisis that happened on this government's watch. Taoiseach
a crisis that happened on this government's watch. Taoiseach, how
do you think a
government's watch. Taoiseach, how do you think a young couple can
afford
do you think a young couple can afford to raise the deposit to buy a
home today.
afford to raise the deposit to buy a home today. How are they going to do
that
home today. How are they going to do that. The new rules brought in by
the Central Bank
that. The new rules brought in by the Central Bank are very tough
that. The new rules brought in by the Central Bank are very tough,
obviously
the Central Bank are very tough, obviously we would
like the Central Bank in its very
obviously we would like the Central Bank in its review of the situation
here to
Bank in its review of the situation here to look at what easement
they can give to young couple
here to look at what easement they can give to young couple. We'll Say
though
can give to young couple. We'll Say though the answer here is not a
housing
though the answer here is not a housing grant
though the answer here is not a housing grant. Because the cost
of the house goes up by the element
of the grant. The answer here is
variable
the grant. The answer here is variable mortgage rates. And that is
competition
variable mortgage rates. And that is competition Wednesday banks
variable mortgage rates. And that is competition Wednesday banks, I would
like
competition Wednesday banks, I would like to see Bank of Ireland paying
a dividend to pass on an interest rate
de
dividend to pass on an interest rate deto ux to
dividend to pass on an interest
reduction
dividend to pass on an interest reduction to variable mortgage
holders,
reduction to variable mortgage holders, this is moving slowly
reduction to variable mortgage holders, this is moving slowly, 20
holders, this is moving slowly, 20,000 jobs created since 2014, the
intention
20,000 jobs created since 2014, the intention here is to have 6
20,000 jobs created since 2014, the intention here is to have 60
intention here is to have 60,000 jobs in the construction sector by
20
jobs in the construction sector by 2020. For those young couple
jobs in the construction sector by 2020. For those young couples, the
best
2020. For those young couples, the best - How are they going to get the
deposit
best - How are they going to get the deposit? It's an easement by
the Central Bank which is the regulator
which
Central Bank which is the regulator which I understand Fianna Fail want
to
which I understand Fianna Fail want to - The Central Bank is
independent,
to - The Central Bank is independent, Taoiseach
to - The Central Bank is independent, Taoiseach. You want to
cause a
independent, Taoiseach. You want to cause a housing bubble again
independent, Taoiseach. You want to cause a housing bubble again. Low
variable
cause a housing bubble again. Low variable mortgage rates, more
competition
variable mortgage rates, more competition in the banking
certificate
competition in the banking certificatetor and I hope
the Central Bank in its review - For a
lot of people
Central Bank in its review - For a lot of people watching tonight
Central Bank in its review - For a lot of people watching tonight, they
can't
lot of people watching tonight, they can't afford to raise the deposit
lot of people watching tonight, they can't afford to raise the deposit.
How
can't afford to raise the deposit. How are they going to do that
can't afford to raise the deposit. How are they going to do that?
I believe that when the Central Bank
introduce
believe that when the Central Bank introduce the current restrictions
on
introduce the current restrictions on and require people to be able to
get a
on and require people to be able to get a deposit together
on and require people to be able to get a deposit together, the
intention
get a deposit together, the intention was right, but at the
wrong
intention was right, but at the wrong time
intention was right, but at the wrong time. I hope that in the
review
wrong time. I hope that in the review that they carry out
review that they carry out, they will look at easing that so that a
young
will look at easing that so that a young couple will find it easier to
get
young couple will find it easier to get. Just clarify
young couple will find it easier to get. Just clarify, as the current
Taoiseach
get. Just clarify, as the current Taoiseach of the country
get. Just clarify, as the current Taoiseach of the country, at the
moment
Taoiseach of the country, at the moment, as all these young couple
moment, as all these young couples are watching
moment, as all these young couples are watching, you can't tell them or
advise
are watching, you can't tell them or advise them how they are going to
raise
advise them how they are going to raise the deposit when they are
paying
raise the deposit when they are paying these enormous rents? I am
saying
paying these enormous rents? I am saying the Central Bank are to carry
out
saying the Central Bank are to carry out a review
saying the Central Bank are to carry out a review. They are
independent. Of those conditions
out a review. They are independent. Of those conditions, they are very
- remember we had a situation
you were getting 1
remember we had a situation you were getting 110 or 1
remember we had a situation you were getting 110 or 130
remember we had a situation you were getting 110 or 130% of the cost
of
houses and that's why
getting 110 or 130% of the cost of houses and that's why the
Central Bank brought in those continues
houses and that's why the Central Bank brought in those conditions
houses and that's why the Central Bank brought in those conditions,
the
Bank brought in those conditions, the intention was right
Bank brought in those conditions, the intention was right, the
timing was wrong
the intention was right, the timing was wrong. I hope they can ease it
for
was wrong. I hope they can ease it for young couple
was wrong. I hope they can ease it for young couples
was wrong. I hope they can ease it for young couples. Let Gerry Adams
come
for young couples. Let Gerry Adams come in
for young couples. Let Gerry Adams come in. You can imagine these folks
were
come in. You can imagine these folks were not in government, this
happened
were not in government, this happened on their watch, we argued
for
happened on their watch, we argued for them to set a cap on mortgage
interest
for them to set a cap on mortgage interest rates, a 1
for them to set a cap on mortgage interest rates, a 1% reduction rate
for
interest rates, a 1% reduction rate for a mortgage of 20
interest rates, a 1% reduction rate for a mortgage of 200
interest rates, a 1% reduction rate for a mortgage of 200,000 would put
interest rates, a 1% reduction rate for a mortgage of 200,000 would put,
would
for a mortgage of 200,000 would put, would save 2
for a mortgage of 200,000 would put, would save 2,000 every single year
would save 2,000 every single year. Secondly and I tried to make this
point
Secondly and I tried to make this point earlier
Secondly and I tried to make this point earlier, the credit union
movement
point earlier, the credit union movement have 9 billion euro
point earlier, the credit union movement have 9 billion euro,
which is Lang waishing
movement have 9 billion euro, which is Lang waish
movement have 9 billion euro, which is ling wishing in a bank
vault somewhere
is ling wishing in a bank vault somewhere, they want to use it for
good
somewhere, they want to use it for good social purpose
somewhere, they want to use it for good social purpose, they are happy
to
good social purpose, they are happy to work with housing associations
good social purpose, they are happy to work with housing associations,
so
to work with housing associations, so far they have not persuaded the
Department of Finance to
so far they have not persuaded the Department of Finance to do that
Department of Finance to do that. Sinn Fein would allow them to do
that
Sinn Fein would allow them to do that and that would release all of
- Before I bring in Micheal
that and that would release all of - Before I bring in Micheal, one
of the other questions that people
mentioned to
the other questions that people mentioned to me to ask you tonight
was
mentioned to me to ask you tonight was to add in insult to injury to
families
was to add in insult to injury to families who were in mortgage
arrears
families who were in mortgage arrears at the moment
families who were in mortgage arrears at the moment, they want to
hold
arrears at the moment, they want to hold on to their home
arrears at the moment, they want to hold on to their home, allowing the
sale
hold on to their home, allowing the sale of some of those mortsd on
some of those homes
sale of some of those mortsd on some of those homes, by Nama to vulture
funds
of those homes, by Nama to vulture funds, why are are you allowing that
happen
funds, why are are you allowing that happen? Well first of all, the
number
happen? Well first of all, the number of mortgages, mortgage arrear
problem
number of mortgages, mortgage arrear problems that have been there have
reduced
problems that have been there have reduced from 1
problems that have been there have reduced from 120
problems that have been there have reduced from 120,000 down to 69,000
by
reduced from 120,000 down to 69,000 by the end of December 2013. -
December
by the end of December 2013. - December 2015, there is a code of
conduct
December 2015, there is a code of conduct introduced here by
the Central Bank that.
conduct introduced here by the Central Bank. That's not
what I asked you
Central Bank. That's not what I asked you. Irrespective of who owns
the
asked you. Irrespective of who owns the mortgage
asked you. Irrespective of who owns the mortgage, they are required to
comply
the mortgage, they are required to comply about those conditions which
means
comply about those conditions which means they deal fairly with the
people
means they deal fairly with the people or the persons or the
borrowers
people or the persons or the borrowers who built the houses in
these
borrowers who built the houses in these cases
borrowers who built the houses in these cases. Nama Has sold on - Let
him
these cases. Nama Has sold on - Let him finish
these cases. Nama Has sold on - Let him finish. The Central Bank is
independent here
him finish. The Central Bank is independent here and we expect any
fund
independent here and we expect any fund, any fund which requires loans
or
fund, any fund which requires loans or bodies to loans to have comply
with
or bodies to loans to have comply with that code of conduct
or bodies to loans to have comply with that code of conduct.
Gerry Adams
with that code of conduct. Gerry Adams, you are way over time
with that code of conduct. Gerry Adams, you are way over time. The
government
Adams, you are way over time. The government essentially adopted a
laissez-faire
government essentially adopted a laissez-faire approach
government essentially adopted a laissez-faire approach. Not so. And
A
laissez-faire approach. Not so. And Aallowed them to rip-off people
laissez-faire approach. Not so. And Aallowed them to rip-off people,
people
Aallowed them to rip-off people, people on mortgage arrears
Aallowed them to rip-off people, people on mortgage arrears. On
the Nama, you are right
people on mortgage arrears. On the Nama, you are right. Nama offered 4
Nama, you are right. Nama offered 440 units to the government
Nama, you are right. Nama offered 440 units to the government. To the
local
440 units to the government. To the local authorities
440 units to the government. To the local authorities. Codes of conduct
applies.
local authorities. Codes of conduct applies. And nobody took them up
applies. And nobody took them up. I am moving on
applies. And nobody took them up. I am moving on. To another - Can I
make
am moving on. To another - Can I make a brief point, Nama sold off
had.
make a brief point, Nama sold off had
make a brief point, Nama sold off 4
make a brief point, Nama sold off 4.5 billion of the people
make a brief point, Nama sold off 4.5 billion of the people's assets
for
4.5 billion of the people's assets for 1
4.5 billion of the people's assets for 1.5 billion
4.5 billion of the people's assets for 1.5 billion, that's a
huge scandal and it happened on the watch
of this
scandal and it happened on the watch of this government
scandal and it happened on the watch of this government. Moving on to
another
of this government. Moving on to another subject now
of this government. Moving on to another subject now. Which is
political reform
another subject now. Which is political reform. How come crow even
political reform. How come crow evenism and the
political reform. How come crow
crony
political reform. How come crow cronyism and the public appointment
of
cronyism and the public appointment of friends and colleagues of people
to
of friends and colleagues of people to public boards is unacceptable if
it's
to public boards is unacceptable if it's Bertie Ahern and
Fianna Fail but if it's your gang
it's Bertie Ahern and Fianna Fail but if it's your gang, it's OK and
it's
but if it's your gang, it's OK and it's nothing personal against these
people
it's nothing personal against these people but David Begg for instance
being
people but David Begg for instance being appointed as chair of the
pensions
being appointed as chair of the pensions authority
being appointed as chair of the pensions authority, or Ita Mangan
to the citizen information board, it's
fine
the citizen information board, it's fine, it's fine if it's your gang
the citizen information board, it's fine, it's fine if it's your gang?
Well
fine, it's fine if it's your gang? Well when I came in as Minister
for social protection
Well when I came in as Minister for social protection, people
Well when I came in as Minister for social protection, people's private
pension
social protection, people's private pension funds
social protection, people's private pension funds, the people here in
RTE
pension funds, the people here in RTE, the people in companies right
across
RTE, the people in companies right across the state, their funds were
in
across the state, their funds were in a state of almost near collapse
across the state, their funds were in a state of almost near collapse.
Fianna Fail
in a state of almost near collapse. Fianna Fail had suspend
in a state of almost near collapse. Fianna Fail had suspended all the
pension
Fianna Fail had suspended all the pension standards - That's not the
question
pension standards - That's not the question I asked you
pension standards - That's not the question I asked you. I am coming -
Let
question I asked you. I am coming - Let her answer the question
question I asked you. I am coming - Let her answer the question. What I
needed
Let her answer the question. What I needed to do was to actually change
the
needed to do was to actually change the whole struck
needed to do was to actually change the whole structure of relg
the whole structure of relglation. We established a pensions authority
We established a pensions authority, that pensions authority is a three
person
that pensions authority is a three person authority and I chose
someone who had actually
person authority and I chose someone who had actually, who would defend
workers
who had actually, who would defend workers pensions
who had actually, who would defend workers pensions. Why didn't you put
it through
workers pensions. Why didn't you put it through the open process
workers pensions. Why didn't you put it through the open process? Because
I
it through the open process? Because I found somebody as it says in the
regulations
I found somebody as it says in the regulations - Bertie Ahern could say
the
regulations - Bertie Ahern could say the same thing
regulations - Bertie Ahern could say the same thing. Who would actually
defend
the same thing. Who would actually defend. For the previous job of the
previous
defend. For the previous job of the previous authority was a leading
executive
previous authority was a leading executive of Anglo Irish bank who
subsequently
executive of Anglo Irish bank who subsequently resigned because of
scandals
subsequently resigned because of scandals. Ct I
subsequently resigned because of scandals. I chose somebody who has
worked
scandals. I chose somebody who has worked all their lives to defend
workers
worked all their lives to defend workers rights and workers pensions
and
workers rights and workers pensions and who has an un
workers rights and workers pensions and who has an unrifled expertise
and
and who has an unrifled expertise and knowledge in relation to that
and who has an unrifled expertise and knowledge in relation to that.
You
and knowledge in relation to that. You think he is wonderful
and knowledge in relation to that. You think he is wonderful, nobody is
questioning anything
You think he is wonderful, nobody is questioning anything about the man
You think he is wonderful, nobody is questioning anything about the man,
but but
questioning anything about the man, but but the point
is the transparency of the process was
breached by
transparency of the process was breached by you
transparency of the process was breached by you, that is the problem
breached by you, that is the problem. I followed the process
exactly
problem. I followed the process exactly. You can compa it
problem. I followed the process exactly. You can examine it and read
what
exactly. You can examine it and read what it says
exactly. You can examine it and read what it says, in all other
appointment
what it says, in all other appointments
what it says, in all other appointments, the
appointments, the Department of Social Protection
appointments, the Department of Social Protection, all appointment
appointments, the Department of Social Protection, all appointments
are done
Social Protection, all appointments are done by the public appointments
service
are done by the public appointments service. In relation to 10
are done by the public appointments service. In relation to 100 billion
are done by the public appointments service. In relation to 100 billion,
10
service. In relation to 100 billion, 100 billion of works
service. In relation to 100 billion, 100 billion of worksers pension
funds
100 billion of worksers pension funds I wanted somebody who would
protect
funds I wanted somebody who would protect those funds and actually
relief
protect those funds and actually relief the
protect those funds and actually real relief the state of chaos
real relief the state of chaos. I have to come back in
real relief the state of chaos. I have to come back in, this is
extraordinary
have to come back in, this is extraordinary. Fianna Fail Suspended
the
extraordinary. Fianna Fail Suspended the funding standard
extraordinary. Fianna Fail Suspended the funding standard. They had a man
called
the funding standard. They had a man called Tiernan O'Mahony has the -
Tanaiste
called Tiernan O'Mahony has the - Tanaiste, I am talking about crony
Tanaiste, I am talking about cronyism
Tanaiste, I am talking about cronyism. (ALL TALK AT ONCE)
Tanaiste
cronyism. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Tanaiste, look
cronyism. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Tanaiste, look. He changed from
Anglo
Tanaiste, look. He changed from Anglo Irish. We changed the
regulation
Anglo Irish. We changed the regulation. Pensions
Anglo Irish. We changed the regulation. Pensions. There are many
workers
regulation. Pensions. There are many workers looking at this and aghast
what
workers looking at this and aghast what what you are talking about in
terms
what what you are talking about in terms of pensions
what what you are talking about in terms of pensions. How
did you appoint Tiernan O'Mahony
terms of pensions. How did you appoint Tiernan O'Mahony. I have to
make
appoint Tiernan O'Mahony. I have to make this point
appoint Tiernan O'Mahony. I have to make this point. Quickly
appoint Tiernan O'Mahony. I have to make this point. Quickly. This
government
make this point. Quickly. This government took two
and a half billion out of workers pension
funds and reduced them forever
billion out of workers pension funds and reduced them forever. You have
some
and reduced them forever. You have some neck to talk about that
and reduced them forever. You have some neck to talk about that. You
didn't understand
some neck to talk about that. You didn't understand the health
service.
didn't understand the health service. Michael Noonan took two
and a half billion
service. Michael Noonan took two and a half billion. OK
service. Michael Noonan took two and a half billion. OK. Micheal Martin
service. Michael Noonan took two and a half billion. OK. Micheal Martin,
on
a half billion. OK. Micheal Martin, on crony
a half billion. OK. Micheal Martin, on cronyism
a half billion. OK. Micheal Martin, on cronyism. Micheal Martin
a half billion. OK. Micheal Martin, on cronyism. Micheal Martin, of
course
on cronyism. Micheal Martin, of course - Pension funds have
recovered.
course - Pension funds have recovered. Come
course - Pension funds have recovered. Coming back in on crony
recovered. Coming back in on cronyism
recovered. Coming back in on cronyism. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Stop
talking
cronyism. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) Stop talking please. When you were in
Fianna Fail as
talking please. When you were in Fianna Fail as a Minister
talking please. When you were in Fianna Fail as a Minister,
you were the Minister for enterprise, trade
and
the Minister for enterprise, trade and employment and July 2005
the Minister for enterprise, trade and employment and July 2005, and
again
and employment and July 2005, and again it's nothing personal
and employment and July 2005, and again it's nothing personal, but you
appointed Celia
again it's nothing personal, but you appointed Celia Larkin
again it's nothing personal, but you appointed Celia Larkin,
Bertie Ahern's former partner
appointed Celia Larkin, Bertie Ahern's former partner, to the
board of the national consumer agency
Ahern's former partner, to the board of the national consumer agency.
Crony
of the national consumer agency. Cronyism at its best
of the national consumer agency. Cronyism at its best. Yes but
- sorry
Cronyism at its best. Yes but - sorry, we did appoint Miriam
O'Callaghan
sorry, we did appoint Miriam O'Callaghan to that and most
objective
O'Callaghan to that and most objective analysis
O'Callaghan to that and most objective analysis. Celia Larkin
O'Callaghan to that and most objective analysis. Celia Larkin. My
apologise
objective analysis. Celia Larkin. My apologise, most of the analysis
about
apologise, most of the analysis about her performance
apologise, most of the analysis about her performance, she's
a highly effective member of the
consumer
highly effective member of the consumer agency
highly effective member of the consumer agency. It's crony
highly effective member of the consumer agency. It's cronyism
highly effective member of the consumer agency. It's cronyism, by
any
consumer agency. It's cronyism, by any other name. You could call it
that,
any other name. You could call it that, you have to look around in
terms
that, you have to look around in terms of people who could be fit on
ton
terms of people who could be fit on ton boards, I am not against change
ton boards, I am not against change. You call it crony
ton boards, I am not against change. You call it cronyism
ton boards, I am not against change. You call it cronyism, come
on
change. You call it cronyism, come on. I remember coming in in 19
change. You call it cronyism, come on. I remember coming in in 1997 as
Minister for Education
on. I remember coming in in 1997 as Minister for Education, first time I
became a
Minister for Education, first time I became a Minister
Minister for Education, first time I became a Minister. You had to defend
it. I
became a Minister. You had to defend it. I looked around me at the Labour
appointee
it. I looked around me at the Labour appointees and all political parties
appointees and all political parties, including - pler
appointees and all political parties, including - We are
talking about you now
parties, including - We are talking about you now. We need to change, I
accept
about you now. We need to change, I accept the need to change
about you now. We need to change, I accept the need to change. OK
accept the need to change. OK. I believe we need to change
accept the need to change. OK. I believe we need to change. What this
government
believe we need to change. What this government is doing
believe we need to change. What this government is doing, with the
McNulty
government is doing, with the McNulty affairs
government is doing, with the McNulty affairs, they happened - May
I
McNulty affairs, they happened - May I make a point. Certainly
McNulty affairs, they happened - May I make a point. Certainly. But I
want
I make a point. Certainly. But I want to - May I make a point
I make a point. Certainly. But I want to - May I make a point.
You can
want to - May I make a point. Make a point Taoiseach
want to - May I make a point. Make a point Taoiseach, you promised and I
quote
point Taoiseach, you promised and I quote you a democratic revolution
point Taoiseach, you promised and I quote you a democratic revolution,
you were
quote you a democratic revolution, you were going
quote you a democratic revolution, you were you had one of the most
embarrassing
you were you had one of the most embarrassing crone owe
you were you had one of the most embarrassing e
you were you had one of the most embarrassing crony
you were you had one of the most embarrassing cronyism examples
you were you had one of the most embarrassing cronyism examples,
McNulty
embarrassing cronyism examples, McNulty. Jo it's all changed. - it's
all
McNulty. Jo it's all changed. - it's all changed
McNulty. Jo it's all changed. - it's all changed. In the interregnum
period
all changed. In the interregnum period of the last government
all changed. In the interregnum period of the last government,
there were a couple of hundred Ray
pointed,
were a couple of hundred Ray pointed, nobody has been appointed
and
pointed, nobody has been appointed and nobody will be until the new
government
and nobody will be until the new government is re
and nobody will be until the new government is reformed
and nobody will be until the new government is reformed. If you want
a
government is reformed. If you want a appoint somebody, they have got to
ply
a appoint somebody, they have got to ply independently to the public
appointment
ply independently to the public appointments service, the Minister
of the day
appointments service, the Minister of the day does not know who applies
of the day does not know who applies, they are vetted independent
applies, they are vetted independently for their credit
en shls and experience and what they
might
shls and experience and what they might bring to the board and the
Minister
might bring to the board and the Minister of the day gets the
nominated
Minister of the day gets the nominated persons and - But
Taoiseach
nominated persons and - But Taoiseach that was naked crony
nominated persons and - But Taoiseach that was naked cronyism
nominated persons and - But Taoiseach that was naked cronyism,
you
Taoiseach that was naked cronyism, you let your own standards and sfweg
Brit
you let your own standards and sfweg Brit tee down
you let your own standards and sfweg Brit tee down. Gentlemen - integ
Brit
Brit tee down. Yes
Brit tee down. Yes, integrity down
Brit tee down. Yes, integrity down. What I did was make an appointment
that
What I did was make an appointment that does did not need to be made
and I have
that does did not need to be made and I have changed 9 rules
that does did not need to be made and I have changed the rules since
then
and I have changed the rules since then. Pure crony
and I have changed the rules since then. Pure cronyism
and I have changed the rules since then. Pure cronyism. I make the
point
then. Pure cronyism. I make the point now that nobody is appoint
point now that nobody is appointed now in the interregnum period
of this administration
now in the interregnum period of this administration. And I might
sa us say in respect of your comment
about democratic
us say in respect of your comment about democratic revolution
us say in respect of your comment about democratic revolution, I
introduced
about democratic revolution, I introduced gender quotas
about democratic revolution, I introduced gender quotas, more women
will be elected
introduced gender quotas, more women will be elected. Secondly the first
duty
will be elected. Secondly the first duty of the next Dail will be to
elect
duty of the next Dail will be to elect the Ceann Comhairle
duty of the next Dail will be to elect the Ceann Comhairle. The third
was
elect the Ceann Comhairle. The third was to end corporate donations and
9 link with big business and the
fourth
link with big business and the fourth of the to have more referenda
in
fourth of the to have more referenda in the lifetime of this government
than
in the lifetime of this government than any previous government
in the lifetime of this government than any previous government.
Gerry Adams
than any previous government. Gerry Adams. Stick to go
than any previous government. Gerry Adams. Sticking to crony
than any previous government. Gerry Adams. Sticking to cronyism
than any previous government. Gerry Adams. Sticking to cronyism. This is
the
Adams. Sticking to cronyism. This is the first time the Taoiseach
admitted
the first time the Taoiseach admitted he appointed John McNulty
the first time the Taoiseach admitted he appointed John McNulty,
he
admitted he appointed John McNulty, he said in questioning in the Dail,
and
he said in questioning in the Dail, and elsewhere that he didn't make
that
and elsewhere that he didn't make that appointment and he did make
that
that appointment and he did make that appointment and for him to say
that
that appointment and for him to say that all has changed is just
complete
that all has changed is just complete nonsense
that all has changed is just complete nonsense. Cross-border
bodies
complete nonsense. Cross-border bodies, we all know lots of
cross-border
bodies, we all know lots of cross-border bodies stuff
bodies, we all know lots of cross-border bodies stuffed with
Sinn Fein people
cross-border bodies stuffed with Sinn Fein people. That's not true
cross-border bodies stuffed with Sinn Fein people. That's not true.
Miriam
Sinn Fein people. That's not true. Miriam, please let me, plain it
to you
Miriam, please let me, plain it to you. No party can make an
appointment
you. No party can make an appointment to a cross-border body
you. No party can make an appointment to a cross-border body.
We can
appointment to a cross-border body. We can make nominations and
everybody
We can make nominations and everybody does it and it's done on
the basis
everybody does it and it's done on the basis of and we don't always
nominate
the basis of and we don't always nominate our own members
the basis of and we don't always nominate our own members. But the
executive
nominate our own members. But the executive - That's the same thing
executive - That's the same thing. But the executive and the government
has
But the executive and the government has to sign off
But the executive and the government has to sign off, so anybody on
a cross-border body and there are six
of
cross-border body and there are six of them
cross-border body and there are six of them, have been agreed to
cross-border body and there are six of them, have been agreed to. Sure
all
of them, have been agreed to. Sure all government
of them, have been agreed to. Sure all governments have to sign off on
appointment
all governments have to sign off on appointments
all governments have to sign off on appointments. Have been awaited
all governments have to sign off on appointments. Have been agreed to by
both
appointments. Have been agreed to by both the executive in the north and
the
both the executive in the north and the government
both the executive in the north and the government, what these folks
did was say we are going to a democratic
revel
was say we are going to a democratic
revolution
was say we are going to a democratic revolution. Just let me ask you a
quick
revolution. Just let me ask you a quick question. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) I
want
quick question. (ALL TALK AT ONCE) I want to ask Gerry Adams a question
want to ask Gerry Adams a question. I made appointment
want to ask Gerry Adams a question. I made appointments to the Seanad
for
I made appointments to the Seanad for the first time ever in the
history
for the first time ever in the history of the state. I need soil
leans for
history of the state. I need soil leans for this
history of the state. I need soil leans for this. Silence for the
question.
leans for this. Silence for the question. There are many people
worried about
question. There are many people worried about the good republicans
that
worried about the good republicans that could be your crony
worried about the good republicans that could be your cronies appointed
to
that could be your cronies appointed to public bodies if you were in
power
to public bodies if you were in power. Who
to public bodies if you were in power. Who? Well
to public bodies if you were in power. Who? Well, like
to public bodies if you were in power. Who? Well, like. Slab Murphy
power. Who? Well, like. Slab Murphy. There's no
power. Who? Well, like. Slab Murphy. There's no. Danny Morrison
Murphy. There's no. Danny Morrison. First of all Danny Morrison
Murphy. There's no. Danny Morrison. First of all Danny Morrison. Nothing
personal
First of all Danny Morrison. Nothing personal against him
First of all Danny Morrison. Nothing personal against him. He is now
a private citizen
personal against him. He is now a private citizen. You talk about -
plefs
private citizen. You talk about -
He was
private citizen. You talk about - He was convicted for kidnapping
private citizen. You talk about - He was convicted for kidnapping.
Sorry
He was convicted for kidnapping. Sorry, Bobby story
He was convicted for kidnapping. Sorry, Bobby story. What's wrong
with
Sorry, Bobby story. What's wrong with Bob
Sorry, Bobby story. What's wrong with Bobby story
Sorry, Bobby story. What's wrong with Bobby story. There's no
question of
with Bobby story. There's no question of, we have a
strict criteria
question of, we have a strict criteria, if we put somebody on
the food safety board or the
Fisheries Board
food safety board or the Fisheries Board, they have expertise on that
issue
Board, they have expertise on that issue. And that's what we are
debating
issue. And that's what we are debating here and the Taoiseach
keeps saying
debating here and the Taoiseach keeps saying it's all changed here
debating here and the Taoiseach keeps saying it's all changed here.
It's
keeps saying it's all changed here. It's not all changed here. Crony
keeps saying it's all changed here. It's not all changed here. Cronyism
corruption,
It's not all changed here. Cronyism corruption, the gold don circle
It's not all changed here. Cronyism corruption, the gold don circles
are all - Let him come back in
corruption, the gold don circles are all - Let him come back in. You have
too much time
all - Let him come back in. You have too much time. They are part and
perpetuating
too much time. They are part and perpetuating all of that
too much time. They are part and perpetuating all of that.
Independent
perpetuating all of that. Independently verified now
perpetuating all of that. Independently verified now, all
independently
Independently verified now, all independently verified now
Independently verified now, all independently verified now. People
do
independently verified now. People do not like hip
independently verified now. People do not like hypocrisy
independently verified now. People do not like hypocrisy. Practice
what you preach
do not like hypocrisy. Practice what you preach. In
Northern Ireland everybody knows
you preach. In Northern Ireland everybody knows. Don't interrupt
you preach. In Northern Ireland everybody knows. Don't interrupt.
Let
everybody knows. Don't interrupt. Let him speak
everybody knows. Don't interrupt. Let him speak. It's one for the
DUP and one for Sinn Fein, a cartel
between
and one for Sinn Fein, a cartel between DUP and Sinn Fein. We
wouldn't have
between DUP and Sinn Fein. We wouldn't have an institution on your
advice
wouldn't have an institution on your advice. Don't talk over each other
wouldn't have an institution on your advice. Don't talk over each other.
You are
advice. Don't talk over each other. You are in no position to talk a
advice. Don't talk over each other. You are in no position to talk
about a culture of corruption anywhere
You are in no position to talk about a culture of corruption anywhere.
How many
a culture of corruption anywhere. How many Sinn Fein numbers have been
-
How many Sinn Fein numbers have been - Gerry
How many Sinn Fein numbers have been - Gerry, don't talk over him
How many Sinn Fein numbers have been - Gerry, don't talk over him. Your
good
- Gerry, don't talk over him. Your good republican has been before the
Special Criminal Court
good republican has been before the Special Criminal Court, 5
good republican has been before the Special Criminal Court, 55
good republican has been before the Special Criminal Court, 5
good republican has been before the Special Criminal Court
good republican has been before the special criminal 5
good republican has been before the special criminal 55
good republican has been before the special criminal 5
good republican has been before the special crime five hundred and 50
special crime five hundred and 50,000 pound
special crime five hundred and 50,000 found in ref
special crime five hundred and 50,000 found in refuse bags
special crime five hundred and 50,000 found in refuse bags. I am
offing
50,000 found in refuse bags. I am moving on to climate change
50,000 found in refuse bags. I am moving on to climate change, many
people
moving on to climate change, many people believe that climate change
is
people believe that climate change is probably the big
people believe that climate change is probably the biggest issue of our
time
is probably the biggest issue of our time at the moment
is probably the biggest issue of our time at the moment. But there's a
particular
time at the moment. But there's a particular dilemma for us here in
Ireland and
particular dilemma for us here in Ireland and I noted Taoiseach when
you came
Ireland and I noted Taoiseach when you came back from the par sis rum
Ireland and I noted Taoiseach when you came back from the par Paris
submit
you came back from the par Paris submit, you seemed to imply in our
commitments
submit, you seemed to imply in our commitments to reducing our car ban
commitments to reducing our car ban commitments shd
commitments to reducing our car ban commitments clashed with the
expansion
commitments clashed with the expansion of the dairy herd
commitments clashed with the expansion of the dairy herd, we
would
expansion of the dairy herd, we would go to the expansion of the
herd.
would go to the expansion of the herd. The target was set for 20
herd. The target was set for 2020 are targets we cannot reach
herd. The target was set for 2020 are targets we cannot reach. We have
an
are targets we cannot reach. We have an opportunity
are targets we cannot reach. We have an with the abolition of milk quotas
to
an with the abolition of milk quotas to expand greatly our capacity
an with the abolition of milk quotas to expand greatly our capacity. It's
a
to expand greatly our capacity. It's a choice obviously
to expand greatly our capacity. It's a choice obviously, you can't do
both
a choice obviously, you can't do both. Let me make my point
a choice obviously, you can't do both. Let me make my point, we have
an
both. Let me make my point, we have an opportunity to expand greatly
what
an opportunity to expand greatly what we produce from our dairy farms
what we produce from our dairy farms, we have a potential
to increase our national dairy herd by
50
increase our national dairy herd by 50%
increase our national dairy herd by 50%. The targets set for 20
increase our national dairy herd by 50%. The targets set for 2020,
we will not meet those with our best in
will not meet those with our best intefngss now. The targets being set
for
intefngss now. The targets being set for 20
intefngss now. The targets being set for 2030 are difficult targets but
we will
for 2030 are difficult targets but we will meet them
for 2030 are difficult targets but we will meet them. We are the first
country
we will meet them. We are the first country in the world to have the
entire
country in the world to have the entire national dairy herd carbon
foot
entire national dairy herd carbon foot printed and moving moving the
same
foot printed and moving moving the same way in terms of the beef herd.
I would
same way in terms of the beef herd. I would say to our colleagues in
Europe,
I would say to our colleagues in Europe, our profile is like
New Zealand
Europe, our profile is like New Zealand, we will meet our targets
Europe, our profile is like New Zealand, we will meet our targets,
and
Zealand, we will meet our targets, and we have the full support -
Taoiseach
and we have the full support - Taoiseach, all the experts
are saying on this subject
Taoiseach, all the experts are saying on this subject, their
exclusive
saying on this subject, their exclusive mutual
saying on this subject, their exclusive mutually
saying on this subject, their exclusive mutually, you can't say
we are going to expand our
dairy herd and at the same time commit
ourselves
and at the same time commit ourselves to our carbon emissions
reductions
ourselves to our carbon emissions reductionss
ourselves to our carbon emissions reductionss, they are not compatible
reductionss, they are not compatible. What we have here
reductionss, they are not compatible. What we have here. It's
a
compatible. What we have here. It's a dhois
compatible. What we have here. It's a dhois. Choice
compatible. What we have here. It's a dhois. Choice. The agri sector
we have has enormous potential
a dhois. Choice. The agri sector we have has enormous potential, if we
don't
have has enormous potential, if we don't produce food of the highest
standard
don't produce food of the highest standard, it will be produced in
other
standard, it will be produced in other countries to a lesser standard
Which is
other countries to a lesser standard Which is the priority
other countries to a lesser standard Which is the priority? Do you accept
it's
Which is the priority? Do you accept it's a difficult decision
Which is the priority? Do you accept it's a difficult decision? Yes I do
but
it's a difficult decision? Yes I do but I'm saying that we will meet our
targets
but I'm saying that we will meet our targets between 20
but I'm saying that we will meet our targets between 2020 and
2030 because as we expand
targets between 2020 and 2030 because as we expand, we become more
competitive
because as we expand, we become more competitive and lean on our
efficiency
competitive and lean on our efficiency. Climate change
competitive and lean on our efficiency. Climate change, it's a
choice
efficiency. Climate change, it's a choice. Which choice will you be
opting
choice. Which choice will you be opting for if you are in government
opting for if you are in government. Labour in government has
brought
government. Labour in government has brought in the first climate change
legislation
brought in the first climate change legislation that's been been passed
by
legislation that's been been passed by an Irish parliament
legislation that's been been passed by an Irish parliament, we have the
white
by an Irish parliament, we have the white paper published recently
by an Irish parliament, we have the white paper published recently,
there's a
white paper published recently, there's a couple of key things.
That's
there's a couple of key things. That's not
there's a couple of key things. That's not, I didn't ask that,
I am asking about that key choice for us
here in
asking about that key choice for us here in Ireland, between expansion
of the
here in Ireland, between expansion of the dairy herd and our
commitments
of the dairy herd and our commitments to our carbon reduction
commitments to our carbon reduction. We have to have key
reductions
reduction. We have to have key reductions in carbon emissions
for instance we have to look at the
issue
instance we have to look at the issue as resources allow us of
Moneypoint
issue as resources allow us of Moneypoint and whether we can
convert
Moneypoint and whether we can convert that
Moneypoint and whether we can convert that. We have to look at the
-
convert that. We have to look at the - How do you balance that with the
expansion
- How do you balance that with the expansion of the dairy herd 1234
- How do you balance that with the expansion of the dairy herd 1234.
We have to look in consultation with
communities
have to look in consultation with communities at the issue of how
for instance we use wind energy
communities at the issue of how for instance we use wind energy, how we
use
instance we use wind energy, how we use and develop wave energy and
insulate
use and develop wave energy and insulate our homes. Alm of
use and develop wave energy and insulate our homes. All of these
things -
insulate our homes. All of these things - The dairy industry will win
out
things - The dairy industry will win out over carbon change
things - The dairy industry will win out over carbon change. I believe
technology
out over carbon change. I believe technology over the period of time
had a
technology over the period of time had a that we have to respond to 20
had a that we have to respond to 2030 will massively allow us to help
-
2030 will massively allow us to help - OK
2030 will massively allow us to help - OK, Micheal Martin on the climb
maim
- OK, Micheal Martin on the climb maim change
- OK, Micheal Martin on the climb maim change. For our children and
grandchildren
maim change. For our children and grandchildren, even those people
who have experienced the floods in the
Shannon
have experienced the floods in the Shannon an all the the money we will
spend
Shannon an all the the money we will spend on flooding defence
Shannon an all the the money we will spend on flooding defence,, we must
look
spend on flooding defence,, we must look after climate change
spend on flooding defence,, we must look after climate change. The
choice
look after climate change. The choice between dairy herd and carbon
emissions
choice between dairy herd and carbon emissions. I don't buy that choice
or
emissions. I don't buy that choice or accept it
emissions. I don't buy that choice or accept it. Most of the experts
say
or accept it. Most of the experts say it. I served on the climate
change
say it. I served on the climate change cabinet sub Kerr for a
number of years and the biggest problem
we have is particularly when an economy
is
have is particularly when an economy is growing, transport emissions go
significantly up
is growing, transport emissions go significantly up. 20
is growing, transport emissions go significantly up. 20% are from
agriculture
significantly up. 20% are from agriculture. Food saurt is very
important
agriculture. Food saurt is very important. - food security is very
important
important. - food security is very important and the hallmark of
Ireland,
important and the hallmark of Ireland, agri food has been one
of the most distinctive contributions
to
the most distinctive contributions to economic development and
the most distinctive contributions particularly in rural Ireland
which is not getting the benefit of
economic
is not getting the benefit of economic recovery
is not getting the benefit of economic recovery. You would offer
is not getting the benefit of economic recovery. You would opt
for the expansion of the dairy herd
as well
the expansion of the dairy herd as well. What we need to do is examine
the
well. What we need to do is examine the options. Gerry Adams
well. What we need to do is examine the options. Gerry Adams. What's the
point
the options. Gerry Adams. What's the point of defending on food
production
point of defending on food production in locations which
would have a worst car
production in locations which would have a worst carbon footprint
production in locations which would have a worst carbon footprint.
Forest
have a worst carbon footprint. Foresttation is very important
have a worst carbon footprint. Foresttation is very important. The
issue
Foresttation is very important. The issue u climate Justice it one
of the biggest issues facing humanity
at
the biggest issues facing humanity at one
the biggest issues facing humanity at at this time
the biggest issues facing humanity at at this time. 30
the biggest issues facing humanity at at this time. 30% of the
emissions
at at this time. 30% of the emissions come out of cattle and
agriculture
emissions come out of cattle and agriculture. 20
emissions come out of cattle and agriculture. 20% from transport and
20
agriculture. 20% from transport and 20% from our energy sources, we need
re
20% from our energy sources, we need renew
20% from our energy sources, we need renewable energy sources, we need to
grow
renewable energy sources, we need to grow native tree
renewable energy sources, we need to grow native trees. We need to help
our
grow native trees. We need to help our farmers
grow native trees. We need to help our farmers. We know what we all
need
our farmers. We know what we all need to do, I am scgt same
our farmers. We know what we all need to do, I am asking the same
question,
need to do, I am asking the same question, you can't do both
need to do, I am asking the same question, you can't do both, expand
the
question, you can't do both, expand the dairy herd and manage to keep
to the carbon emissions
the dairy herd and manage to keep to the carbon emissions. You develop a
green
the carbon emissions. You develop a green pattern
the carbon emissions. You develop a green pattern, on the one hand make
sure
green pattern, on the one hand make sure there's re
green pattern, on the one hand make sure there's renew
green pattern, on the one hand make sure there's renewable energy
green pattern, on the one hand make sure there's renewable energy,
in other words
sure there's renewable energy, on the other hand make sure we go
forward
the other hand make sure we go forward in the way I describe by
planting
forward in the way I describe by planting native tree
forward in the way I describe by planting native trees, a simple
thing
planting native trees, a simple thing like that
planting native trees, a simple thing like that, by stopping frack
thing like that, by stopping fracking and ensuring - and the
government
fracking and ensuring - and the government voted to extend it
fracking and ensuring - and the government voted to extend it. Let
the
government voted to extend it. Let the Tanaiste come in there
government voted to extend it. Let the Tanaiste come in there. You
want to come back
the Tanaiste come in there. You want to come back? We have to all
children,
to come back? We have to all children, our personal lives,
we have to look at how we insulate our
houses
have to look at how we insulate our houses, trams, buses, and trains,
they are
houses, trams, buses, and trains, they are the way to reduce our
carbon
they are the way to reduce our carbon footprint
they are the way to reduce our carbon footprint. We need to stop
all
carbon footprint. We need to stop all using our personal cars
all of the time
all using our personal cars all of the time. That's why we need more
commute
the time. That's why we need more commuter trains and that investment
and
commuter trains and that investment and we have listed
commuter trains and that investment and we have listed. Another thing in
relation
and we have listed. Another thing in relation to rural Ireland and we are
doing it
relation to rural Ireland and we are doing it, is to roll out broadband
relation to rural Ireland and we are doing it, is to roll out broadband.
So
doing it, is to roll out broadband. So businesses can be based in
rural Ireland
So businesses can be based in rural Ireland, without people having to
commute
Ireland, without people having to commute. I can hear people scream
commute. I can hear people screaming in rural Ireland
commute. I can hear people screaming in rural Ireland, in Mayo last week
he
in rural Ireland, in Mayo last week he end
in rural Ireland, in Mayo last week he end, it's so slow. It's very
sporadic
he end, it's so slow. It's very sporadic and the coverage
he end, it's so slow. It's very sporadic and the coverage, but
we have a plan and we are putting
in the investment and that's being
rolled out
the investment and that's being rolled out. Five years too
late. It's not too late
rolled out. Five years too late. It's not too late. It isn't too late
but
It's not too late. It isn't too late but - Don't talk over her
It's not too late. It isn't too late but - Don't talk over her. I want to
ask
but - Don't talk over her. I want to ask - That means we'll get more
industry
ask - That means we'll get more industry locally
ask - That means we'll get more industry locally. And a lower carbon
footprint
industry locally. And a lower carbon footprint. You have to be careful in
Mayo
footprint. You have to be careful in Mayo if you criticise anything
footprint. You have to be careful in Mayo if you criticise anything. The
European Council
Mayo if you criticise anything. The European Council two years ago gave
the
European Council two years ago gave the u
European Council two years ago gave the unanimous back to go my
proposition
the unanimous back to go my proposition Ireland should be
allowed
proposition Ireland should be allowed to use its forestry and land
bank
allowed to use its forestry and land bank in terms of reducing the extent
of
bank in terms of reducing the extent of carbon e
bank in terms of reducing the extent of carbon eemissions which will go
somewhat
of carbon eemissions which will go somewhat to helping the situation
of carbon eemissions which will go somewhat to helping the situation. I
want
somewhat to helping the situation. I want to come back in
somewhat to helping the situation. I want to come back in, just to say
Danny
want to come back in, just to say Danny Morrison has been on his con
v ux was overturned and we are happy
to
ux was overturned and we are happy to clarify
ux was overturned and we are happy to clar
ux was overturned and we are happy to clarify that
ux was overturned and we are happy to clarify that. You shouldn't be
throwing people
to clarify that. You shouldn't be throwing people's names about like
that.
throwing people's names about like that. The final lead
throwing people's names about like that. The final leaders de
throwing people's names about like that. The final leaders debit
throwing people's names about like that. The final leaders debate is
about character
that. The final leaders debate is about character and integrate tee
and
about character and integrate tee and people watching who you are,
Micheal Martin,
and people watching who you are, Micheal Martin, what decisions in
your
Micheal Martin, what decisions in your public life
Micheal Martin, what decisions in your public life, political or
otherwise
your public life, political or otherwise, do you most regret
your public life, political or otherwise, do you most regret? In
terms
otherwise, do you most regret? In terms of regrets
otherwise, do you most regret? In terms of regrets? I think the most
otherwise, do you most regret? In terms of regrets? I think the most,
what
terms of regrets? I think the most, what I would regret most is being
part of the
what I would regret most is being part of the consensus back in the
mid
part of the consensus back in the mid 2007
part of the consensus back in the mid 2007, 2008 period
part of the consensus back in the mid 2007, 2008 period, when
everybody
mid 2007, 2008 period, when everybody agreed that everything was
fine
everybody agreed that everything was fine when everything wasn't fine
fine when everything wasn't fine. And so if I have learned anything
from
And so if I have learned anything from that is the need to challenge
consensus
from that is the need to challenge consensus. Joan Burton
from that is the need to challenge consensus. Joan Burton? Your biggest
regret
consensus. Joan Burton? Your biggest regret, what decision in your public
life
regret, what decision in your public life? I came into politics relative
life? I came into politics relatively late
life? I came into politics relatively late, having worked
for instance in Africa for three years
relatively late, having worked for instance in Africa for three years.
As
instance in Africa for three years. As a development work erkts and
As a development worker and worked as a Lek remember
As a development worker and worked as a lecturer and accountant
As a development worker and worked as a lecturer and accountant. I
suppose
as a lecturer and accountant. I suppose the thing that most
Freight's me
suppose the thing that most Freight's me in public life
- frustrate
Freight's me in public life - frustrates me in public life
is the slow pace of change
frustrates me in public life is the slow pace of change, you come in
frustrates me in public life is the slow pace of change, you come in,
you
slow pace of change, you come in, you think you can turn things around
quickly
you think you can turn things around quickly. And I suppose what
I most regret when I came into social
welfare was
regret when I came into social welfare was to see a lot of waste in
terms
welfare was to see a lot of waste in terms of a small coat re of people
abusing
terms of a small coat re of people abusing and having a fraudulent
social
abusing and having a fraudulent social welfare system
abusing and having a fraudulent social welfare system. I have
managed now
social welfare system. I have managed now to change most of that
social welfare system. I have managed now to change most of that.
So
managed now to change most of that. So what used to absolutely
frustrate me because you know 10
So what used to absolutely frustrate me because you know 100 euro take
anyone
me because you know 100 euro take anyone fraud is 10
me because you know 100 euro take anyone fraud is 100 euro taken from
a
anyone fraud is 100 euro taken from a pensioner who needs it
anyone fraud is 100 euro taken from a pensioner who needs it, but I have
to say
a pensioner who needs it, but I have to say now
a pensioner who needs it, but I have to say now, we have turned it around
And we are
to say now, we have turned it around And we are now actually probably
look
And we are now actually probably look ked upon as one of the more
secure
look ked upon as one of the more secure social security systems. In
Europe
secure social security systems. In Europe. Taoiseach the decision in
your
Europe. Taoiseach the decision in your public life
Europe. Taoiseach the decision in your public life, political or
otherwise
your public life, political or otherwise you most regret
your public life, political or otherwise you most regret. I regret
a
otherwise you most regret. I regret a number but I would say that
maybe to have been able to do things a
little
to have been able to do things a little earlier
to have been able to do things a little earlier, but it didn't come
my
little earlier, but it didn't come my way. That's why I was happy to
speak
my way. That's why I was happy to speak out about the sexual abuse in
Cloyne.
speak out about the sexual abuse in Cloyne. That's why I was happy to be
moved by
Cloyne. That's why I was happy to be moved by the tear
Cloyne. That's why I was happy to be moved by the tears of the Magdalene
women
moved by the tears of the Magdalene women and I was happy to deal
with the people in Priory Hall
women and I was happy to deal with the people in Priory Hall. And
that's
the people in Priory Hall. And that's why I think it was important
to be
that's why I think it was important to be able to join the hundreds of
thousands who were
to be able to join the hundreds of thousands who were able to provide
freedom
thousands who were able to provide freedom and relief for so many
people
freedom and relief for so many people in the marriage equality
referendum.
people in the marriage equality referendum. I had regrets are
people in the marriage equality referendum. I had regrets about not
being
referendum. I had regrets about not being able to do things about those
earlier
being able to do things about those earlier but when it's come my way
being able to do things about those earlier but when it's come my way,
we have
earlier but when it's come my way, we have been happy to work with
others
we have been happy to work with others in delivering on that
responsibility.
others in delivering on that responsibility. Gerry Adams
others in delivering on that responsibility. Gerry Adams? The
decision
responsibility. Gerry Adams? The decision in your public life
responsibility. Gerry Adams? The decision in your public life. I
regret
decision in your public life. I regret it took to
decision in your public life. I regret it took so long for the peace
process
regret it took so long for the peace process to get traction,
I am delighted I never gave up
and I worked with others
delighted I never gave up and I worked with others, without any
support
worked with others, without any support from the establishment, when
we
support from the establishment, when we went to John hoo uchl and started
we went to John Hume and before it
came
we went to John Hume and before it came popular
we went to John Hume and before it came popular, we are now in in
a better place and we stood up
for people and what we will do in
government
people and what we will do in government is fight for people and
stand up
government is fight for people and stand up for people
government is fight for people and stand up for people. We have
almost come to the end of the debate
tonight.
come to the end of the debate tonight. You are each going to
deliver
tonight. You are each going to deliver a 30 second statement so
voters
deliver a 30 second statement so voters can make up their minds
deliver a 30 second statement so voters can make up their minds. We
didn't bother
voters can make up their minds. We didn't bother asking you
questions about your coalition options
didn't bother asking you questions about your coalition options, we
know you
about your coalition options, we know you only tell us anything
that's
know you only tell us anything that's going to happen after Friday
know you only tell us anything that's going to happen after Friday.
First
that's going to happen after Friday. First up for second
that's going to happen after Friday. First up for 30 second statement is
Gerry Adams.
Well
Well I'm going to be followed in my
remarks
Well I'm going to be followed in my remarks by the three A
Well I'm going to be followed in my remarks by the three Ami
Well I'm going to be followed in my remarks by the three Amigo
Well I'm going to be followed in my remarks by the three Amigos and
I want to appeal all of my fellow
whinge
want to appeal all of my fellow whingers to come out on Friday,
you know if these folks are kurnd
whingers to come out on Friday, you know if these folks are returned
whingers to come out on Friday, you know if these folks are returned, it
might be a
know if these folks are returned, it might be a coalition of
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael an that's the
worst possible out
and Fine Gael an that's the worst possible outcome of this election
and Fine Gael an that's the worst possible outcome of this election.
We will
possible outcome of this election. We will see continued home
We will see continued homelessness and in
We will see continued homelessness and inequality and poverty. There's
a
and inequality and poverty. There's a chance now, it's historic
and inequality and poverty. There's a chance now, it's historic, it's
the
a chance now, it's historic, it's the centenary of 19
a chance now, it's historic, it's the centenary of 1916
a chance now, it's historic, it's the centenary of 1916, we have a
chance
the centenary of 1916, we have a chance of a real peaceful rising
next
chance of a real peaceful rising next Friday
chance of a real peaceful rising next Friday, I would
chance of a real peaceful rising next Friday, I would... SPEAKS IRISH
OK
next Friday, I would... SPEAKS IRISH OK. Tell the three a
next Friday, I would... SPEAKS IRISH OK. Tell the three ami
next Friday, I would... SPEAKS IRISH OK. Tell the three amigs
next Friday, I would... SPEAKS IRISH OK. Tell the three amigs, adios
next Friday, I would... SPEAKS IRISH OK. Tell the three amigs, adios.
Taoiseach
OK. Tell the three amigs, adios. Taoiseach? This election is
about the future
Taoiseach? This election is about the future. And on Friday
Taoiseach? This election is about the future. And on Friday, you will
make
the future. And on Friday, you will make a choice about that future
the future. And on Friday, you will make a choice about that future.
That
make a choice about that future. That choice is about who you can
trust
That choice is about who you can trust with that future. My
request is that you choose
Fine Gael candidates and deliver a decisive
vote
candidates and deliver a decisive vote for certainty
candidates and deliver a decisive vote for certainty, for stability
and
vote for certainty, for stability and for recovery
vote for certainty, for stability and for recovery. That's a recovery
that
and for recovery. That's a recovery that can neither be taken for
granted nor
that can neither be taken for granted nor put at risk
that can neither be taken for granted nor put at risk. Fine Gael
that can neither be taken for granted nor put at risk. Fine Gael's
long term
granted nor put at risk. Fine Gael's long term plan is about one thing
long term plan is about one thing. Ensuring the economic recovery that
you have
Ensuring the economic recovery that you have created and that it
benefits
you have created and that it benefits every person
you have created and that it benefits every person, every
community
benefits every person, every community and every home in Ireland.
SPEAKS IRISH
community and every home in Ireland. SPEAKS IRISH. Tanaiste
community and every home in Ireland. SPEAKS IRISH. Tanaiste? I want to
people twice before
SPEAKS IRISH. Tanaiste? I want to people twice before casting their
vote
people twice before casting their vote on Friday
people twice before casting their vote on Friday, Labour will provide
a
vote on Friday, Labour will provide a fair government
vote on Friday, Labour will provide a fair government, Labour will
invest
a fair government, Labour will invest the most in schools, in
health
invest the most in schools, in health and in childcare
invest the most in schools, in health and in childcare. Labour will
focus
health and in childcare. Labour will focus tax cuts on low and middle
income
focus tax cuts on low and middle income earners, create 1
focus tax cuts on low and middle income earners, create 150
focus tax cuts on low and middle income earners, create 150,000 more
jobs
income earners, create 150,000 more jobs. It was Labour which
secured the marriage referendum
jobs. It was Labour which secured the marriage referendum, the
marriage
the marriage referendum, the marriage e
the marriage referendum, the marriage equality referendum
the marriage referendum, the marriage equality referendum, it's
only
marriage equality referendum, it's only Labour that will deliver a
referendum
only Labour that will deliver a referendum in relation to the 8
referendum in relation to the 8th amendment
referendum in relation to the 8th amendment. To
referendum in relation to the 8th amendment. So I'm asking progressive
voters
amendment. So I'm asking progressive voters on Friday to vote for the
Labour Party
voters on Friday to vote for the Labour Party. And to look for the
future
Labour Party. And to look for the future of our children and our
childrens
future of our children and our childrens children
future of our children and our childrens children. OK
future of our children and our childrens children. OK.
Micheal Martin
childrens children. OK. Micheal Martin. I think this is a moment of
great
Martin. I think this is a moment of great opportunity for our people
Martin. I think this is a moment of great opportunity for our people.
And
great opportunity for our people. And I think to do that, we need
a government that listens
And I think to do that, we need a government that listens. And
listening
government that listens. And listening is extremely important
government that listens. And listening is extremely important,
to the concerns of our people
listening is extremely important, to the concerns of our people. And
to say that we can have a strong
economy
say that we can have a strong economy and a decent society
say that we can have a strong economy and a decent society. We do
not
economy and a decent society. We do not have to keep going with crisis
after
not have to keep going with crisis after crisis in health and home
after crisis in health and homelessness and in crime and in
other
homelessness and in crime and in
under
homelessness and in crime and in under provisions for education
under provisions for education. We can have an Ireland for all of our
people
can have an Ireland for all of our people. And I am asking people to
vote
people. And I am asking people to vote for our candidates across the
country
vote for our candidates across the country. Many new generation
vote for our candidates across the country. Many new generational
candidates
country. Many new generational candidates in addition to those we
already
candidates in addition to those we already have, to bring about a
fairer
already have, to bring about a fairer and more decent society
for all our people
fairer and more decent society for all our people. OK
fairer and more decent society for all our people. OK. Thank you
very much.
Thank you all very much for joining us tonight
and I wish you all and everyone standing on Friday,
the very best of luck.
Thank you all very much for watching and stay tuned now for my colleague
David McCullagh who will be presenting The Spin Room
straight after this programme where there will be immediate analysis
of and comment on tonight's debate.
Slan agus beannacht.