Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to address the House on the Social Welfare Bill. As the officials who have heard me on many occasions are gathered here tonight again, a certain amount of my thunder has been stolen because the Minister on this occasion has managed to unify the child dependant allowance into one payment of €22 per week. It is a matter on which I used to rant and rave over a long period of time. Lo and behold, when I stand up today I nearly have nothing to say but will find something nonetheless.

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