Tipperary TD Seamus Healy attacks Government in Dáil confidence motion debate

A Tipperary south TD  Seamus Healy has mounted a sharp criticism of the Government during a Dáil confidence motion, arguing that it is not listening to either the public or elected representatives.

Deputy Healy stated he has no confidence in the Government and took issue with the decision by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to leave the Dáil chamber during the proceedings, describing it as a sign of disregard for the House.

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“The Tánaiste and Taoiseach have left the Chamber. It is an insult to the Dáil and proof positive that not only will they not listen to the Irish people but they will not listen to TDs in this House,” he said.

“We have a cost-of-living crisis on top of a cost-of-living crisis, and that crisis has been deliberately worsened by Government policy, which favours the rich and powerful in our society and doubles down on the ordinary, decent working people and their families,” the independent TD claimed.

Deputy Healy said Government measures had left ordinary households worse off amid ongoing financial pressure.

“In the teeth of a cost-of-living crisis, the Government abolished energy credits in this year's budget. It abolished social welfare supports, leaving thousands of families worse off by up to €1,400. It hiked up income tax on PAYE workers,” he said.

“To add insult to injury, at the same time it gave hundreds of millions of euro to big developers and corporate landlords, and gave the guts of €690 million to the burger barons of the big fast-food chains.

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“On top of that, the Government is presiding over a housing crisis, a disability crisis and a health crisis. Ordinary, decent, hard-working people are put to the pins of their collars to make ends meet,” he added.

He also criticised the Government’s handling of recent protests, describing a reported threat to deploy the Army as “absolutely shameful”, and questioned whether similar action had been taken in response to violent disorder in Dublin in 2023.

Deputy Healy concluded by stating: “I have no confidence in the Government.”

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