Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We recently examined CE schemes fairly comprehensively. The point being made by Senator Moloney and myself did not concern resentment of people in long-term unemployment; it was more the idea they have in other countries where those on social welfare might pay a small contribution towards their credits or the social insurance fund. It was more in that context that the point was made. My understanding is that in countries which pursue social democratic policies, they do have contributions from people on social welfare or low pay, even if it is very small. The overall effect of their budgets is redistributive and obviously they have very good public services. I just wanted to make that point.

We have to conclude this meeting because another meeting is scheduled. What Ms Ní Lochlainn said about the Scottish model was very helpful and we will certainly examine that further. This meeting has been very informative for us. As Deputies and Senators we look at these submissions and read them in detail. Many of the parliamentary questions in recent weeks were based on matters that are in such submissions.

The committee has a limited brief and cannot write to the Minister for Finance, but we will write to the Minister for Social Protection and bring to her attention the presentations made here, together with a transcript of the meeting. We will ask her for feedback on the points that have been raised. We will be following this up because it is an issue that the committee is keen to pursue.

I acknowledge that there are members of the equality budget group in the Gallery, as Ms Ní Lochlainn mentioned. We take a great interest in this issue. I wish to thank those in the Gallery for attending this meeting. I also wish to thank Ms Aoife Ní Lochlainn and the other witnesses for attending this meeting and for their contributions.