I raise the importance of our economy and funding of public services, and a particularly vital public service referenced in the programme for Government. I do so from the seat in Dáil Éireann that I first pursued and held in 2011. While doing so, I offer some words of acknowledgement and thanks to those who have allowed me to be here and to discharge my duties. I thank the many communities of Dublin Central for their support, kindness and respect over many years and say to them how proud I was to represent them. I …

Deputy Bacik has to get a fourth one now. Keep going. I am looking forward to Deputy Nash now.

Yes

Thank you.

You are not lacking in ideology yourself, now.

I move: 1. THAT section 531AM of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (No. 39 of 1997), which contains the main charging provisions for Universal Social Charge (USC), be amended in the manner and to the extent specified in the Act giving effect to this Resolution, to include a reference to Section 847AA which provides for a scheme of tax relief for donations to certain National Governing Bodies (NGB) where the donations are used to fund certain projects. The amendment provides that a donation to an NGB is not deducted …

I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." We are here today to begin our consideration of the Finance Bill 2025, which will give the necessary legal basis to the decisions announced in the budget and make a number of other necessary changes to tax legislation. In budget 2026, the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and I announced a budgetary package of €9.4 billion, as set out in the summer economic statement. Some €8.1 billion has been allocated for public spending and €1.3 billion for taxation measures. The budg…

That is a shameful accusation.

It is shameful - politics of the lowest level, Deputy.

This is below you.

That charge is below you and you know it.

You know that is below you.

This is politics of the worst kind.

Listen to what you have said, reflect on it and decide whether you think it is a charge worth making.

It is below you to make such charges.

Do you honestly believe I am making a choice between animal welfare and supporting families at risk of domestic abuse?

Answer my question.

You are not answering my question because you know that the charge is unfounded and unfair.

Do you believe I am making that choice?

I will ask you again. Do you believe the Government is making a choice between animal welfare and supporting families at risk of domestic abuse?