Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Payments made across many areas in the social welfare system have been consistently and systematically increased ahead of inflation. It is right that we have done so. The questions posed by the Deputy and many others pick out specific payments, such as the fuel allowance. However, it is my contention that it is better to give everyone something substantial instead of specifying these payments. In recent years, the increase in pension payments has been substantial and much better than increasing the fuel allowance because everyone has benefited. Some of the pensions will go towards fuel. In the previous budget, the fuel allowance increased from €14 per week to €18 per week.

It is a question of finding a balance between the different demands. When I sat with the 30 or so representative groups before the budget last year, I understood their points, but I would have needed a budget package of €4 billion or €5 billion per annum to meet all of the requirements. It comes down to choices and I assure the Deputy that my choice is to aim as many of my resources at the less well-off as I can. I did so this year and will continue to aim as many resources as I can get at budget time in that direction.

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