Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

When people consider something in the abstract, it is very different from viewing it in practice. We see that all the time, for example, when a development is planned. It is only when bulldozers move in that people start to consider the implications, although there has been a long process in which they have probably not been engaged. There may be an element of that regarding aspects of regeneration projects. Matters must be considered in practice.

Regarding community welfare officers, the figure of €800 million has been quoted, and I know that a substantial proportion will be rent assistance. One hopes that, with some of the increased flexibility mentioned, we will see many such people previously precluded from working owing to the poverty trap moving into employment. I very much hope that it will happen. It is obvious when one sees new housing schemes, and I can certainly see it in my area. People are allocated a house, and a substantial number get not only a new house but a new life with the opportunity to work. That is very obvious in practice.

I reiterate Deputy Penrose's point regarding the local contacts of the community welfare officer. People will make statements about them ranging from their being the greatest thing since sliced bread to acting as if the money was coming out of their own pocket. It goes right across the spectrum, and the very fact that they know the people coming to them and can advise them means that they have a one-to-one relationship. I have come across many situations where a community welfare officer has saved the State money. The idea that someone is there dishing out funds to people in emergencies is wrong. That the community welfare officer has a degree of flexibility benefits both the State and the genuine emergency case. We should not change something that is working well.

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