Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

As this Bill provides for a number of measures announced in the budget, it is reasonable to refer to the budget. The budget was generally well received and, for that reason, I supported the Finance Bill. However, lest the Government believes it can claim the glory, I firmly believe the credit for the generally acceptable budget goes to the electorate, which voted in the European and local elections in a determined manner to express its displeasure with the performance of the Government. That action shows how well informed the electorate is and that it is disposed towards using the mighty weapon available to it, the ballot box. Long may that continue.

I welcome the provisions in the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2005 and I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Brennan, on the impact he has made in this Department in a short time. Indeed, I was sorry to see the Minister leave the Department of Transport, where he was making progress. He was willing to make decisions. At all times, he implemented Government policy so it was a surprise when he was moved. I am wandering a little from the subject under discussion but that decision conveyed a clear signal, regretfully in my view, about who was in charge in this country and who makes the decisions. I wish the Minister well in the Department of Social and Family Affairs; I am sure he will make his mark there.

I wish to refer to the 16 social welfare cuts introduced in the Social Welfare Act 2004 and to acknowledge the current Minister's attempt in this Bill to ease those cuts. His actions in this regard show his commitment to the less well-off. The financial provision being made for people with disabilities is welcome. For years, people with disabilities were badly treated by successive Governments. They were a weak lobby and could be easily ignored, so they were ignored. That is a shame for our society and successive Governments.

People with disabilities and parents and guardians of persons with disabilities have felt isolated, neglected and betrayed by Government and society for many years. Their sense of betrayal has led to a mistrust of Government and to them treating Government promises with suspicion. A firm commitment of financial provision is now being made and I welcome it. I look forward to the roll-out of that allocation so the people who have been neglected for so long can benefit.

I am disappointed with the provision for carers. Carers have done this country a great service and the Government should formally recognise their extensive contribution. An inclusive national strategy should be developed to put a support structure in place. A minimal investment in this area will result in actual savings in the health budget. I referred earlier to the feelings of isolation and betrayal on the part of people with disabilities. Carers also experience those feelings.

I welcome the Minister's recent announcement about the lone parent benefit and his resolve to make that allowance a more family friendly payment. This change of direction in bestowing a positive aspect to the lone parent allowance is most welcome and will bring about many benefits, not least by saving the Exchequer the cost of paying the Department's inspectors who were employed to ensure that lone parents were living without partners. The new approach will also have a positive effect resulting in more single parents being encouraged back into the workforce. The benefits are twofold. First, lone parents' quality of life will greatly improve and, therefore, their sense of self-worth will be enhanced. Second, there will also be a benefit to the economy. This news comes at a time when lone parents need a boost following the deeply insulting, ignorant and rude comments in The Irish Times, which described single mothers as mothers of bastards.

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