Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I support the provisions of the Social Welfare Bill and the budget. Like previous speakers, I acknowledge the major advances in recent years in social welfare payments. Behind the figures and statistics the lives of people are being transformed by the provisions in the Bill.

The situation of carers has been highlighted for many years and the desired advances were not achieved for a long time. I acknowledge the changes that have been made. These have an effect on people's lives and lifestyles, acknowledge the contribution made by carers to society and show that care of people in the home by family members and the extended community is a positive aspect to be welcomed and encouraged at all times. I hope that whoever sits in the ministerial chair over the next few years will advance that commitment. I refer to the commitment made by the Government to increase the old age pensions which has been achieved. Many people who are carers have suffered for a long time. The Government has acknowledged that action was necessary. It has established the supports and services to encourage and allow people to care for their loved ones in their home.

The respite care grant has been increased from €1,000 to €1,200 and the carer's allowance has been increased from between €20 and €40 a week with a single person receiving up to €290 and €580 for a couple. These changes make a tangible difference to people caring for people in their homes. We talk about statistics and outline the huge package of €13.5 billion, but behind all the statistics genuine people are striving to make ends meet. This assistance and these acknowledgements of their difficulties will go a long way to meeting their needs.

We often get caught up in this House with debate and some people comment on the value of €14 or €17 a week extra. We must remember that many people are living on the breadline and that €14 or €17 a week extra makes a significant difference in their household budget. Many of those who report on the provisions of a budget or social welfare Bill do not understand the reality of what is happening or that some people must try on a daily basis to make ends meet. An increase of this nature makes a significant impact on their quality of life. Some people dismiss the fuel allowance with a comment as to the benefit of another €5. To people already on the margins, €5 with the other increases can transform their quality of life. I am hopeful that over the coming years we will continue to strive to ensure that people dependent on social welfare are looked after.

When I first entered politics in 1992 as a public representative, social welfare was a significant issue of debate, primarily in the context of unemployment and people being unable to express themselves through work. Thankfully, we have moved on from that and people who are capable can find gainful employment and make a contribution to society through their taxes. Those funds can then transfer to people on social welfare. However, there is begrudgery among some people that those on social welfare are a thorn in the side of the community, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Most people on social welfare are people who have made a genuine commitment to society over many years, in particular the elderly who worked through lean and hard times and raised families. Now that they are coming to the end of their lives, they are entitled to enjoy the benefits of a booming economy, one that has strong employment, good tax receipts and the transfer of that to people who deserve it. People do not just need it, they deserve it. Sometimes when we debate social welfare provisions, some people begrudge those payments.

The Government has been very conscious of the need to ensure that those who made sacrifices, worked hard for many years and reared families in difficult circumstances enjoy in their latter years the gainful support of society. I compliment everybody involved in past years in this Government who acknowledged in particular the contribution of older people and who moved swiftly towards meeting the target pension of €200 a week. This target is not set to make a political point, but because these people deserve it. We can come in here and speak platitudes and slap people on the back, but the Government and all of us know these people are entitled to our support. People appreciate the move to deliver the €200 a week old age pension.

Child care is an issue that has been discussed at many fora throughout the country by people with different perspectives. I declare a specific interest in this area as we had a baby girl recently and I will, obviously, benefit from the packages announced in the budget. In these days of political correctness, I want to declare that specific interest.

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