Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I was proud to listen to the contribution of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, when he introduced the budget. I applaud the Minister's efforts and I am glad he listened to people such as me. Deputy Michael Kennedy suggested that I am on the socialist wing of Fianna Fáil. I was not afraid to speak up for my beliefs on social inclusion policies at our parliamentary party meeting. I am strongly of the opinion that we should cater for those who are more vulnerable, particularly at times when the economy is facing challenges.

I do not wish to make too many political points but I am not going to take a lecture from those on the Opposition benches who do not remember — it does not suit them to do so — decisions taken in the past which led to people being deprived of money. During the period in question, benefit entitlements were so meagre that they made absolutely no impression. That is not to say I do not have ongoing concerns, of course I do. I see the challenges ahead and I am concerned about the future direction of pensions policy, which is an important matter. I would like the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Cullen — he did a good job this week — to examine the position as regards back to school allowances, in respect of which further improvements could be made.

A number of individuals brought to my attention in recent days the fact that people who obtain good increases in their social welfare benefits are often ambushed by local authorities, which present with new rent assessments. Someone must grasp the nettle and take action in this regard.

Highlights of the budget include the changes to stamp duty, provisions to reward work, income tax changes and improvements relating to child care. The latter will provide supports for hard-working families. I welcome these various improvements.

The Minister referred to Tallaght and the Luas. His colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, mentioned the provision of almost €260 million in additional funding for public transport capital investment over the pre-budget outlook. He went on to point out that this funding will guarantee continued progress on expanding the Luas network. I strongly support this development. The extension of the existing tram fleet on the Tallaght line will be completed in mid-2008, bringing a 40% increase in passenger capacity per tram. As a Dubliner, I am pleased that construction will continue on the Cherrywood and Docklands extensions.

I must, however, challenge the Minister regarding the proposed building programme as far as construction on the Luas extension through Tallaght is concerned. As stated on previous occasions, the Luas is an absolute boon to my community because it brings many people to Tallaght and allows them to enjoy the great facilities there. However, as the Minister indicated, there appears to be a problem. I call on him to ensure there will be no delay in respect of the Luas extension through the estates of west Tallaght to Saggart and Citywest. I hope many colleagues will support me in this regard.

I could spend all day discussing with the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Noel Ahern, who is present in the Chamber, the need for a new Garda station in Tallaght. I hope the Minister of State will not object to my mentioning this matter, in respect of which I have been strongly campaigning. Other colleagues in the House are not afraid to refer to their local communities and the priorities relating thereto, and I take this opportunity to do so as well.

Previous speakers criticised the Government's drugs policy. There will always be challenges to be faced in that regard. However, I am a strong supporter of the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Pat Carey. I was present in the Chamber last week when the Taoiseach took time out of his busy schedule to make a fine speech on the drugs policy. His doing so was a great compliment to the House and to the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Carey. It is important that Members should continue to inform the Government that drugs programmes should be properly funded. The drugs problem represents a challenge to all our communities and we should continue to fight against it.

I look forward to making a further and more comprehensive contribution in respect of the budget as part of the Second Stage debate on the Social Welfare Bill. I commend the resolution to the House and I will now concede the floor to my Independent colleague, Deputy Finian McGrath, who has some even more important announcements to make.

See this speech in context