We have just witnessed the sting of the dying wasp.

Neither I nor anyone else in Sinn Féin need inform Labour Party Members with regard to what is bad about the budget. They will be very clearly informed in this regard by their constituents and those who will be affected by this, the second tough, gruelling austerity budget to be introduced by Fine Gael and the Labour Party. No one in Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil or any other party will be obliged to make matters clear to Senator Kelly and his colleagues. That will be done by their families, friends and people from their communities who will point out the savage cuts over which those on the Government side are prepared to stand.

When they were in opposition prior to last year's general election, those in government campaigned against such cuts. They said at that stage that they would not cut child benefit or increase college fees. Now, however, they have gone after those in receipt of the respite care grant and have introduced cuts in the areas of health and education.

We have not done anything in respect of education.

The Government has introduced a property tax which does not take account of people's ability to pay. The spokesperson of the liberal wing of the Labour Party, Senator Bacik, almost wears as a badge of honour the fact that the Government has not increased income tax.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Senator Bacik has referred to the new property tax as progressive.

On a point of order-----

This is a most regressive form of taxation.

Senator Bacik should resume her seat. That is not a point of order.

Senator Bacik should address her remarks through the Chair. She should also sit down.

Senator Bacik is a liberal and she cares nothing for social issues or for families which are going to be hammered by this property tax. It is an unfair tax which is not linked with people's ability to pay.

The Senator should respect the Chair.

It is telling that we have-----

We are not discussing the budget on the Order of Business. If the Senator has a question for the Leader, he should ask it.

Does the Leader agree that the property tax is unfair?

No.

Does he agree that one cannot describe a tax which is not linked with a person's income as fair or progressive?

Is the Senator referring to a tax similar to the one his party introduced in the North?

Senator Cullinane is way over time.

In the North people get free education, including free schoolbooks and transport, free health care and-----

The Senator is over time.

Those in government will pay a hefty price for this, their second gruelling austerity budget.

Senator Cullinane will terrify the children who are sitting in the Visitors Gallery. They all look frightened.