Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I acknowledge the opportunity to speak on the Social Welfare Bill, which is very important to us all. Deputy Deasy spoke about social welfare offices. We have examples in south Tipperary of two social welfare offices that were threatened with closure in recent years. While people were very concerned at the time, happily they remained open. Such offices form part of the infrastructure that people need. They do more than make payments. The officers can give advice, help and guidance. They know and have a link with the community. No pressure should be created to have such social welfare offices closed. If anything, their role should be expanded.

The Social Welfare Bill contains many provisions, covering a considerable budget. Some of the Government Deputies have said there was so much in it and people were so delighted that it makes me wonder if they are living in the same place that I live. I refer to the fuel allowance and the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, will know what I am talking about. Last Sunday, I was in Dundrum for a sale of work. Among the items on sale were trailer loads of timber. I could not believe the number of people who lined up to buy those loads of timber. Some elderly people were there an hour before the sale. Each trailer load of timber was sold for €400. That was fuel for people's homes. To get €400 in one contribution is a large amount of money for pensioners. However, the fuel allowance was not increased. A few years ago, it was possible to buy a load of timber for €100 and it now costs €400. The cost of oil has increased substantially. The fuel allowance does not take into account the savage increases in fuel costs. Considering some world market issues relating to oil prices, the fuel allowance should have been increased substantially last week. People should be very concerned that it did not happen.

I know that Deputy Curran will shortly speak about what he believes are great increases. However, the living alone allowance has not been increased for many years. I am concerned that most of the hardship in the country is experienced by unfortunate people living alone. The Government should seriously consider increasing the living alone allowance.

It has come to my attention in my constituency that crèches and other child care facilities that we are promoting in several areas are now required to pay rates. These crèches are badly needed by many people on social welfare and those rates will represent an additional cost and burden. The issue needs to be addressed. In one case, a small crèche catering for 30 children will need to pay more than €3,000 in rates next year.

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