Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)

Especially the red rose of the Labour Party.

According to research carried out by the Vincentian Partnership, community employment earnings have meant the difference for most lone parents on the scheme between buying fresh vegetables and yoghurt for their children and less nutritious food, or between getting into debt on day-to-day living and not. These restrictions only serve to maintain lone parents in poverty. It is high time the €317.43 limit was raised in line with the growth in average earnings since 1994, when it was first set. That is the first hop of the ball. There is no need for a consultant. Ordinary people such as Members of this House will tell the Minister to index-link the increase so that it would now be €400. Would that not be a good start? It would give Mr. Myers and others a simple mathematical exercise to get their facts right.

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