Deputy Martin commented: "The scenes in the Dáil exposed the Government's total failure on political reform. The Family Home Tax is a measure that will impact on the budget of every family in the country and the Government is forcing it through the Oireachtas with virtually no debate.
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"When they ran for election, both Fine Gael and Labour promised radical reform of how politics is conducted. Who could have thought that by 'reform' they meant the shutting down of dissent and legitimate debate?
"The Government orders the business of the Dáil. Today I have written to Enda Kenny as the Head of Government to appeal to him to reconsider the decision to kill debate on this critical issue. All across the country, people are increasingly angry with politicians and increasingly disillusioned with the political process.
"Forcing through legislation on a Family Home Tax without a proper debate is unfair, undemocratic and will only fuel the public’s sense of frustration and disconnect. It displays contempt for the mandate held by Deputies on all sides of the House and shows how arrogant and out-of-touch this Government has become in a very short period of time."
(CD)
