Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Only two weeks ago I met all 32 of the different groups involved at a pre-budget forum. To be fair, all of the groups put forward a very reasoned and reasonable case. However, the cost of doing what they requested for this year alone would be €3 billion to €4 billion, which is not feasible or realistic. Therefore, we are trying to identify the key issues that can be funded and prioritised. In conjunction with the Government, I must make a choice as to where we maximise funding.

I favour targeting the less well off. I do not look to a general universal payment as I am not sure it would offer the best outcome and would cost a lot of money to implement. Moreover, the benefit for some families would be marginal because they do not need it in many cases. I tend to favour prioritising resources and directly targeting in a maximum way families who are less well off, particularly where children are clearly in danger of poverty.

These are choices that must be made as we go forward. Our social welfare system is universal, fair, open and well funded, and is indicative of why many people are in this country. It is accepted this country makes payments that are comparable to those made in many other countries.

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