Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for the opportunity of speaking to this very important debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011. This Bill comes at the height of our economic crisis and at a time of high unemployment. That is why we need fresh thinking on the economy and particularly on the jobs crisis.

Before dealing with the Bill in detail, I should say I am concerned at the Government's policy of making deep cuts to public expenditure. I hope Deputy Costello is listening because this will hit the poorest the hardest in this recession.

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