Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)

Our social welfare code has two systems, namely, the benefit and allowances systems. The benefit system is insurance-based. One pays stamps into an insurance fund and when difficulties arise, such as unemployment or disability, one can draw on the fund and collect money based on stamps paid. It is like car insurance.

Last evening I was critical of the Minister as there are issues arising from this that he needs to address. If someone is in receipt of, for example, unemployment or disability benefit, one does not receive the Christmas bonus because they are not on a long-term payment. I strongly suggest that is unfair. The child dependant allowance for young people in education is not available if one is in receipt of benefit. That is not fair. Those on social welfare benefit are obviously on a low income and if one's child is in higher education, they cannot qualify for the top-up payment. A small number of people are affected and these anomalies should be sorted out. It is unfair that these should exist and I ask the Minister to examine them. While I know he will not be in office next year, I ask that he put it in train so that it may be carried on.

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