Peter Kelly (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

We must still continue to protect the most vulnerable in our society. This Bill does that, providing for an increase of between 3% and 3.8% in the basic social welfare payments next year. Total expenditure on social welfare next year will be €19.6 billion. This is an increase of €2.6 billion over the Estimates allocation for 2008. It is important to note that the schemes and other supports which the Department of Social and Family Affairs administers will benefit over 1.7 million people. This includes 440,000 pensioners, 345,000 ill and disabled people, over 80,000 carers, 30,000 low income families who will be availing of family income supplement and more than 580,000 families who receive child benefit payments.

Provision has been made for an increase of €2.6 billion in social welfare expenditure in 2009, and this is to be welcomed. I also welcome the fact that as we enter the winter season and those long, dark evenings, provision has been made for an 11% increase in the value of the fuel allowance, bringing it to €20 per week from January. I am pleased the duration of the fuel season is also being increased and it will now be 32 weeks in total.

Social welfare is an important part of Government. It is the duty of Government to look after those people who require assistance. There is no doubt we are living in difficult economic times. Most of the world is currently experiencing some form of economic slowdown. Now is the time for calm heads and clear thinking. The Irish people have a great ability to knuckle down and get through any difficulties or obstacles that might come their way. If we work together over the next few years, we can ride out the current turbulence we are experiencing.

We have always been a caring nation which has always been aware of the importance of looking after the less fortunate. While some may be of the view the Celtic tiger may have desensitised us to the hardship of others, I do not believe this to have been the case. In my time as a Deputy I have consistently been impressed and encouraged by the amount of good work that goes on all around the country for those who are less well-off. Much of this work is voluntary and is carried out away from the limelight. It is heartening to witness the goodwill and decency of people around the country — long may it continue.

The Bill acknowledges there are people and families who require assistance. I was delighted to see that changes to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and the Combat Poverty Agency were also announced on budget day. The Bill is amending the Citizens Information Acts 2000 to 2007 so as to enhance the functions of the Citizens Information Board through the assignment to it of responsibility for the provision of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. MABS provides a valuable service to people who are in debt and need help and advice in coping with debt problems.

As we approach the Christmas period, which seems to be arriving earlier every year, it is important to realise that many families will put themselves under severe financial pressure over the festive season. What should be a time of joy for people instead becomes a time of worry, when mothers and fathers will fall victim to the commercialisation of the Christmas period. I am sure we all know of constituents who have resorted to measures such as loan sharks in an attempt to keep the wolf from the door. Anything that can be done to alleviate such situations is to be welcomed.

I take the opportunity to justifiably compliment the staff of MABS in Longford, with whom I have had numerous dealings, and also the staff of the Citizens Information Board, who also do great work in Longford.

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