John Dennehy (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Social Welfare Bill 2007. Deputy Kelleher referred to the overall economic climate and it is sometimes worrying to hear so many speakers refer to the country being awash with money. One would be forgiven for thinking it came down with the rain, suddenly appearing for us to exploit. Since 1997, the Government has set out carefully to create the business environment and conditions necessary for a successful economy. That must be recognised. The country is not awash with money by accident.

I remember the Taoiseach pointed out after the 1997 budget that the best benefit we could offer anyone was a job. He also said it was necessary to create the wealth before we could divide it up. Speakers differ philosophically but we had to create the wealth first. Now problems in education, health and social welfare are being addressed by funds created through taxation or other methods. That tax would not be paid unless the country was doing very well because the necessary conditions exist nationally and internationally.

Taxation is outside the Minister's brief but I refer to my own situation, which I use as a personal indicator of how bad things were. In 1986-87, with nine mouths to feed in a single income household, I paid 67% in stoppages, getting £33 in every £100 while trying to support nine people. That was immoral, an enormous burden on larger families. I said I would fight that every step of the way when we got back in here. I have been here for some years since and my group in particular has made great headway. Comparing that situation to the situation now, I pay less than one third of the previous figure but I still make a fair contribution to the economy. We must remember that.

In the past the Opposition has objected to me referring to the record of the rainbow Government and its socialist element giving pensioners an increase of £1.60 a week but that is the only comparison I can make. I must look at the performance of that group when it was in power. We also compare favourably with the British situation in terms of pensions. It is fair to the public to point out what people did and what they would do again if they got the opportunity. The only other way to compare is to measure against the British and we have done exceptionally well under the Minister's watch. We can compare any project. Older people do much better here than in Britain and we have much higher standards.

Visitors to the country are fascinated by the high standard and availability of free travel. Free travel will always be associated with the late Mr. Haughey but the current Minister, Deputy Brennan, has put his own stamp on it. I asked previous Ministers to remove the impediment in the system that limited travel times and for a couple of years I was told it was impossible, that CIE would not agree to it, but lo and behold, the Minister has removed that impediment.

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