Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

It is acting in the national interest based on its informed assessment of the economy and the prognosis for the next couple of years. The Government is forced to operate within the current parameters for public spending and to do otherwise would be reckless and certainly would do untold damage to the long-term budgetary strategy of this country.

There is an element of the medical card debate that is relevant and worth noting in the wider context of this finance debate. I am glad the principle of means testing has been retained in this instance. I believe it to be a fair way of assessing whether an individual can afford to pay his or her own way. It is generally accepted that anyone who can afford to pay should pay for some of the State services they receive. Virtually no one disagrees with that principle. No one expects the taxpayer and the State to carry the entire cost for those who have sufficient means to pay their own way. In an ideal world with limitless resources, of course it would be desirable to retain the concept of universality or automatic entitlement but the pressing reality now is that we simply cannot afford to extend that luxury to everyone, irrespective of their means. I do not believe there will be any resistance to the introduction of means testing, which is a fair basis on which to assess the capacity to pay or the ability to do without State assistance in certain cases. Moreover, it allows the State to disburse limited resources on a fair and even basis. Ultimately, it will ensure that available moneys are delivered to those who need the support of the State to meet their daily needs or to provide essential public services.

The unvarnished truth is that international forces and domestic factors have conspired to make our fiscal situation extremely difficult. The Government must readjust its spending priorities in the light of this rapid downturn. It must be both cautious and discerning in the allocation of taxpayers' money. Obviously, moneys targeted at one group necessarily will mean that another group will be deprived. The Government must reconcile the books and must use its resources as effectively as it can. With this in mind, I do not believe that anyone would refuse to pay or would expect the taxpayer to bear his or her costs for some of the State services. It is only fair and equitable and I firmly believe most people will regard that as a very reasonable proposition when we are living through times which demand more restraint.

Everyone must have a sense of good conscience and fair play. Unfortunately, some people in our society are disadvantaged and are in need of State support and assistance to improve their quality of life. That is the precise reason total spending on social welfare next year will be €19.6 billion. I welcome that such expenditure will directly benefit 1.5 million people. Members must acknowledge they have a bounden duty to support the men and women who rely solely on the State to assist them in making ends meet and I am satisfied the Government has discharged this duty well. At the same time, one must recognise there are those who do not need the intervention of the State to maintain their living standards and to carry certain costs. We have no option but to exercise great caution in the distribution of public moneys and one must be sure that everyone gets their fair share. Fairness is the operative word in this regard and is no less than a moral obligation in these straitened times.

Like running any good business outfit, Members must guarantee that the State is getting good value for money, must identify any forms of waste and must ensure that such waste is eliminated. Members must ensure that all agencies of the State are carrying out a useful role and function and if there is room for rationalisation within the apparatus of State, they simply must examine the structures carefully and must manage strategic reform of that sector. In that context, I look forward to the publication of the Government's proposals for public sector reform in the coming days and weeks.

See this speech in context