Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

On Deputy Enright's point, my Department has not been passive, rather it has been central to bringing about many changes. The Department's remit has changed substantially in recent years and it has proactively engaged with FÁS and other agencies. The Department of Social and Family Affairs has led the way rather than sit back and simply send out cheques. I spoke to many people in the Department who are engaged in getting the personnel to help change lives on a case by case basis. The more one-to-one engagement there is, the more one can facilitate people in accessing the workforce and making a valuable contribution to society. One-to-one engagement also improves the well-being of individuals.

On Deputy Morgan's point, as part of shaping the lone parent issue for the future, the Department is trying to remove the penalties people perceive in leaving welfare and joining the workforce. These perceptions have presented substantial problems but changes have been made in this area in recent years. There is still some way to go and I want to ensure that people in the poverty trap can escape it without immediately losing the supports the State provides. This will be critical if we are to move the number of people Deputy Shortall suggests is necessary from the welfare system to employment. I agree with the Deputy on this point.

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