Peter Kelly (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

This type of scaremongering was completely unfair to already vulnerable people. I am delighted, therefore, that the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Hanafin, has confirmed that the Christmas bonus will be paid to a range of people, including widows, widowers, pensioners, one-parent families and the long-term unemployed. As I have already said, I compliment a compassionate and caring Minister, Deputy Mary Hanafin. The Hanafin family has given immense public service to the country, which is acknowledged by all.

The Government ensured that this Christmas bonus payment would be protected as so many people rely on the extra money at Christmas and use it to plan their finances over that period. Christmas is a time of financial pressure for families, especially those who rely on social welfare payments, and the Government is keen to provide practical support where it can.

As we are coming to the Christmas period, I wish the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Deputy Naughten and the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, and all my colleagues in the Dáil, a very happy Christmas.

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