Cowen: Measures must be taken now to protect future generations

Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 11:54 AM

Taoiseach Brian Cowen says the Government are imposing cuts in public service pay and social welfare, not because they want to, but because they must.

The Dáil is continuing the debate on Budget 2010, with attention turning to the social welfare cuts.

These will be rushed through by tomorrow evening to take effect on January 1, after the Opposition's failed in two attempts to stop the Government rushing through the Budget's social welfare cuts by tomorrow evening.

The Opposition said the rush is to ensure that it has become law before the backbenchers return to their constituency offices.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore accused the Government of being devious, by putting the measures through before backbenchers got it in the neck from constituents.

However, the Taoiseach insisted the measures would be supported by backbenchers any week, insisting the measures on Social Welfare Bill have to be introduced by January 1 as the Dáil will rise for its Christmas break next week.