Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins has said Independent Ireland's manifesto illustrates their contempt for voters.
The Limerick County candidate added that it also completely ignores pensioners.
Responding to the publication of the Independent Ireland manifesto today, Minister Collins said: “By publishing their manifesto with just a week to polling day, Independent Ireland have revealed their absolute contempt for the voters and the content of the manifesto clearly indicates that they regard the voters as fools.
"The costings on page 25, for example, make no provision for social protection expenditure. In other words, the Independent Ireland manifesto ignores pensioners. There will be no increase in the state pension with Independent Ireland. Nor is there any provision to increase other social welfare payments.
“Health is also underprovided for with €728m allocated. However, no commitment is made to provide for additional beds. In their health section they also pledge the abolition of the means test for carers. Aside from the fact that this should be under the social protection budget they didn’t provide for, it also has a cost of at least €600m. So that leaves just €128m under Independent Ireland’s version of the health budget.”
Minister Collins also said that Independent Ireland had pledged a 9% Vat rate for hospitality, yet they have made no provision for this in their costings.
“None of the tax proposals mentioned have been costed,” he added.
“The whole manifesto reads like three lads went down the pub, got going on what they would do if they ruled the world, and started scribbling slogans on beermats. They are not a serious party.
“With both the lateness of its arrival and in the sparseness of the costings, what this manifesto illustrates is Independent Ireland’s contempt for the voters. The party embodies the old saying 'empty vessels make the most noise'.
