Money squandered by the Government should have been spent on providing services desperately needed by the most vulnerable in society, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said.
"In the economy of greed fostered by this Government what can be done for the betting industry cannot be done for the disabled men, women and children of Ireland. They should hang their heads in shame." He was speaking during the resumed debate on the Labour private members' motion on the "shocking waste of taxpayers' money" on capital investment projects.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said: "Take the roads programme alone: a cost escalation of €9 billion in 2½ years. How many hospital wards and beds might that sum have kept open? How many schools refurbished? How much might have been done for the disabled? What might have been done for our elderly and impoverished emigrants in England?"
Labour deputy leader Liz McManus said the Government's record on healthcare was one of betrayal. "Time after time, solemn promises made to the Irish people have been jettisoned by minister Martin and then by Minister Harney."
