Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the officials in the Department, which is one of the more efficient Departments when one is seeking information. It is startling to listen to the statistics Deputy Naughten has outlined relating to education and the expertise that is flowing out of the country on a weekly basis. The figure he put on it was approximately €9 billion per annum. What we are doing is frightening.

The social protection budget exists for several reasons. First, to protect the vulnerable. Second, it cannot be more attractive than taking up employment. Third, we should remember that someone actually pays for it; it does not come down from the sky. There must be compassion and understanding.

In overall terms the measures in the budget will not save a great deal. There will be no great monetary gains to the Government. The cut in the telephone allowance and the increase in prescription charges has sent out the message to older people that perhaps there is not much use for them anymore. The damage this has done psychologically has impacted more on that cohort than any monetary downside. I call on the Minister to reconsider the first measure, which comes under her remit. I realise the second measure is probably a matter for the finance Bill.

The social protection budget is €20 billion. I am a strong advocate of work-fare instead of welfare. It is not only about protecting the vulnerable; it is about ensuring that it cannot be more attractive for people to be out of work than in work. I fear that we do not have the appropriate measures in place. I am not against the reduction of the jobseeker's fund for the younger age group provided there is training, education facilities and places for them, but I gravely doubt that there are places for them.

Many self-employed people, especially after the boom, reduced their level of employment and they have become reluctant to employ people because they are being hit by regulations and charges. We must make it attractive for these people. We must reconsider labour law and the many regulations and charges in place.

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