Peter Kelly (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I did, along with the good Deputy. I have fond memories of my time representing the people of Roscommon because I gave good representation. My grandfather came from Creggs, County Roscommon, and he moved to Longford in 1887. Deputy Naughten is a decent man and we represented the people of Roscommon well. I was sorry to have to leave them but, at the same time, I am delighted to represent Westmeath.

I am delighted to support my friend and colleague, Deputy Hanafin, a compassionate and caring Minister. The commitment she and her family have given to Ireland is well documented and I do not need to tell everybody about their social conscience. I am pleased to support the legislation, which will implement a €550 million package of social welfare improvements announced in the budget. In difficult economic circumstances, the package will bring total expenditure on social welfare in 2009 to €19.6 billion, an increase of €2.6 billion or 15.5% on the 2008 Estimates. At a time when public expenditure must be tightly controlled, the increased provision for social welfare is a clear signal of the Government's commitment to protect the vulnerable and less well off in society.

People still cannot fathom the gravity of the worldwide financial crisis and while I do not want to bring it up all the time, sadly, facts must be faced. This is a major disaster throughout the world. The Bill prioritises the protection of pensioners. Increases in welfare payments, an increase in the length of the fuel allowance scheme and the rate payable and an additional allocation of €55 million to implement the fair deal nursing home scheme are among the measures included. Significant moves have been made over the past ten years to prioritise the elderly in our communities and I am happy the Minister is continuing this good work. The fuel allowance scheme will be extended by two weeks and the rate payable by €2 a week to €20, which will ease the burden of increasing fuel costs for many people.

The Government will also enhance pensions by increasing the full personal rate of the State contributory and non-contributory pensions by €7 per week. The State contributory pension will then be €230.30 per week and the non-contributory pension will be €219 per week. The qualified adult allowance will also increase by €6.30 for those aged over 66 and by €4.60 for those aged under 66. The Government is determined to target its resources at those in greatest need and universal entitlement, irrespective of means, does not target them. However, other supports will be available for people who find themselves in difficulty. These measures underline the Government's commitment to honour the debt we owe to a generation whose hard work laid the foundation for the economic success we enjoyed over the past few years. Despite the difficult economic times we are experiencing, it is now more important than ever to look after the most vulnerable in our society.

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