Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Kevin Walshe for his petition and for coming before the committee today because it is important. For decades many members of the public have faced a disconnect when they have had a difficulty in seeking or gaining a benefit or entitlement. It is great Mr. Walshe is here today, and that Ms Bríd O'Brien and Mr. Lynch from the INOU and the officials from the Department are also before the committee. This is democracy at its best whereby a person who has an issue can appear before a committee and engage. Politicians and Departments have a role to fulfil and a job to do and, as the departmental officials know, I very much respect their role. We must work together to come to a solution which is agreeable to everybody.

I was struck by a line in Mr. Walshe's presentation which summarises the entire issue. He suggested an individual with a third level degree is better equipped to return to the labour market, and instead of claiming welfare payments would be contributing by paying PRSI and income tax. This summarises the issue. All most people are trying to do is better themselves so they are able to contribute to society rather than having to seek payments. Of course some people find themselves in impossible situations, and because of personal problems find it difficult to better themselves, but as a rule people want to better themselves at all times. Our job, and the job of the departmental officials, is to assist people in getting to this place, wherever this place is and whatever it takes it should be done.

I believe 100% in the bona fides of the departmental officials here today and I believe they want to engage. At the same time, and this must be publicly acknowledged, people working at the Department of Social Protection are under tremendous pressure because of budgetary constraints, and I acknowledge this. It is not as though they go around with a big bag of money which they can unlock and let out. They cannot do so because they are not in this position. I ask them to read the common sense paragraph at the end of Mr Walshe's submission which answers it all. Getting people to a better place takes them from simply looking for something from the State to contributing to the State. Education and further betterment of a person is what it is all about. This is what will save the country, and get us from where we are to being a better place for everybody to live. There is nothing corny about stating Mr. Walshe is making history today. He may not think so, but he is. I hope he will be the first of many people who will be welcomed to Leinster House. This is not our house, it is Mr. Walshe's house and he is very welcome to it.