Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We would not have an education system had Fianna Fáil continued in power. When we inherited this economy, five months worth of money was left in the kitty.

I welcome our guests. Having considered and watched the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for many years, not only at national level because I work with and have assisted it in a humble way at local level, I realise its contribution is absolutely immeasurable. The life impact of poverty on young people is very obvious.

I have given a lot of thought to the budget because we all have a responsibility in the run-up to what are to be difficult times. I have a point that I will make not by way of a question because I am not sure whether the contributors would want to comment on it. I am no longer in favour of universal child benefit. I grew up in what would have been considered to be a working-class area, Ballyfermot, in the 1960s. I am very proud of it. A very small percentage, 3%, of those who finished second level schooling got the opportunity to proceed to further studies or third level. I have no doubt that not only access but also poverty played a major part in that outcome. The latest Growing Up in Ireland study gives us a very clear insight into how poverty affects education. We know that by the age of three, for example, children from more deprived or poorer areas are more likely to display behavioural problems, suffer from obesity or have a poor diet. Even before they start their educational life, they are lagging behind.

Why should Mr. Michael O'Leary or I - if I were a Member with young children - be entitled to the same entitlements as other families? When are we seriously going to make hard decisions about channelling the limited resources available to the Minister to those who have not has opposed to those who have? There are so many impacts on affected young people that must be considered.

Despite the Minister's efforts at social protection, many people and I are aware of the continuing abuse of the child benefit payment. I refer to people coming from outside Ireland – we all know this happens – to claim payment. We hear this from reliable sources. We must ensure that those who are most needy can avail of the limited resources we have available. This is a big challenge for the Minister and I know she is committed to it. The additional money for the Minister for Social Protection to address that is made available through the child benefit system.

I acknowledge the presence of the representatives of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The society makes an immeasurable contribution.

For my part, as a Government backbencher, I really appreciate and value the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. I will continue to play my part not only at this committee and at meetings of the parliamentary party behind closed doors, but also in the Dáil to ensure the society's voice is heard, as well as the voices of those represented by the charity - the poorer people in society. In making difficult decisions, we should channel limited resources to those most in need.