Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am the only Opposition member present which reflects the lack of opposition to the Supplementary Estimate. I understand the reasons for it and I do not oppose it. I have a number of general questions.

There is a large under-estimate in respect of the jobseeker's figures, nearly 7,500 people. Was that a surprise?

There is significant under-estimate for the overall figure for the number of people in receipt of lone parent's allowance, almost 3,400 more than anticipated at a cost of €55.32 million. Does that mean that the movement from welfare to work, which is supposed to occur among lone parents is not actually happening?

The second part of the Estimate deals with the underspend. There is an underspend of €7.350 million on the family dividend. If memory serves me correctly, the projected expenditure for the family dividend was of the order of €22 million or thereabouts, that would mean that one in three people who should be entitled to take up the family dividend has not taken it up. Is there some reason for that?

I noted over the weekend a number of statements, one in particular by the Taoiseach, in which he referred to an extra payment, which the Government is planning to make to low income people to encourage them away from welfare and into work. Members will be aware of the family income supplement. The family dividend also falls into that category. Is the Taoiseach referring to the family dividend or is a new third payment envisaged? Would the Minister know about that?

My final question is a general one which might be more relevant for other Departments, which immediately spring to mind. As the Minister will know the rules have been changed and this is the last year for Supplementary Estimates, so should there be an over-spend next year, over and above what is anticipated what will happen? Will there be a substitute for this process?