Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)

Is it not astonishing that despite the unprecedented level of economic resources available, when we have the opportunity to ensure that people are lifted out of poverty, that various reports reflect the fact we have failed to do so? We should accept that poverty is not inevitable and that if the political, economic and social structures were put in place, it could be arrested and reversed. Is it not disgraceful that in the most affluent economic climate and circumstances ever, more than 600,000 Irish people will struggle this month to make ends meet and that thousands more will fall into the clutches of moneylenders? That is a frightening statistic.

We see charges of up to 200%, even with the licensed moneylenders. With unlicensed moneylenders it is a case of whatever they can extract. Will the Minister now consider restoring the money, advice and budgeting service, MABS, supplement that was one of the savage 16 cuts unnecessarily and shamefully inflicted by his predecessor on the very vulnerable people who will now feel the heat? Will he agree that it is important to send out a clear message for people to keep away from moneylenders and warn that many people with no money to spend who feel pressurised to approach them should try to get some help through different sources?

In that context, why have the calls to just one organisation, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, exceeded 300,000 in the current year, an increase of more than 10%? That is not a submission. It is empirical statistical data reflecting dire consequences for this country. Despite our successful economy we have a fractured society. Is that the legacy this Government will leave behind at the end of May 2007, if it lasts that long?

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