Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for affording me the opportunity of commenting on the Bill. It is important for everyone to wake up to the reality that pockets of poverty throughout the State need to be tackled. I welcome this debate on issues such as child, disability and carer's benefits.

The article by Kevin Myers and the Ed Walsh school of right-wing ideology have prompted a positive reaction from society at large. It shows that the country has not lost its compassionate side or its caring image. The reaction to Mr. Myers's disgraceful article amounted to a people's revolution. The reaction of people displayed an understanding and caring for lone parents that was not long in shutting up Mr. Myers and his ilk. It showed that Ireland was not going backwards. The people's quiet revolution on this issue gave me great hope for the future. We must be on our guard, however, against right-wing ideology emanating from the University of Limerick and other such places. Such ideology exists but it is up to everyone involved in public life to ensure that a bunch of neo-conservatives never gets control of this country. Sadly, we have seen what has happened in the United States so we must be vigilant.

The Bill provides for a number of measures announced in the budget, including increases in child benefit, an increase in the amount of capital disregarded for the purposes of certain means-tested schemes, an improvement in carer's benefit and the respite care grant scheme, and an enhancement of the disability payment scheme, including the introduction of a weekly payment for persons who do not qualify for disability allowance solely because they are resident in an institution.

The Bill also provides for a number of amendments to the Pensions Act 1990. Section 3 provides for an increase in the monthly rate of child benefit as announced in the budget. The lower rate of benefit payable in respect of each of the first two children is increased by €10 per month, from €131.60 to €141.60. The rate for the third and each subsequent child is being increased by €12 per month, bringing the rate from €165.30 to €177.30. These increases will come into effect from 1 April 2005. They constitute an important part of the legislation as they focus on the issue of child poverty.

I welcome the Minister's recent comment that he will examine seriously the possibility of targeting resources for the most needy in society. Within poor, low-income families there are approximately 65,000 children living in serious poverty. People often wonder who these children are given the considerable wealth in the State. I know many of them myself having spent 20 years working in a school in a disadvantaged area on Dublin's north side. Such children come from very poor and often dysfunctional families. Many of them attend junior infant classes without having eaten breakfast. Happily, many creative schools, with the support of the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Social and Family Affairs, have initiated breakfast club projects. Sadly, such children must attend breakfast clubs to make a proper start to the day. It should be remembered that children cannot learn in an educational environment if they are starting off hungry at nine in the morning. I commend all those who are involved in such worthwhile projects. They provide a valuable service not only for children but also for the State.

Many of these children come from disruptive, problem families and are often ignored. Many of them are great children against the odds. I have been amazed by the number of children I have come across over 20 years who come from poor, dysfunctional families, yet they are able to accomplish a day's work at school. It is unbelievable what they can do. It is our role as legislators to ensure such children receive the maximum support. I challenge those in society, including people in political parties who do not accept that reality. Such children exist and they need our help. It is important to recall these facts in dealing with section 3.

As regards disability benefits, we must accept that there are thousands of people with disabilities in our society. The budget was a major step in the right direction in providing funding to reduce waiting lists for day care and respite places. I sound a note of caution, however, because many families have been waiting for such places for a long time. Consequently they have become cynical while waiting for such services to come on stream.

While the Bill contains positive aspects, I encourage the Minister to target resources at those who are most in need of them.

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