Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

Despite being strapped for cash and under financial pressure, the Government continues to provide for the less well off in our society. That is what Fianna Fáil and its partners in Government are about. This Bill will formalise increases across the social welfare sector. The budget is €19.6 billion, some 15% above the 2008 figure. The increases in the Bill are above inflation and will benefit 1.7 million people, including 290,000 people who, unfortunately, will come on the live register in the next year.

There are 444,000 pensioners in Ireland. Fianna Fáil and its Governments have always looked after old age pensioners. Our colleagues in Fine Gael and Labour cannot look with pride on their records. Their last Minister, Proinsias De Rossa, MEP, gave a derisory increase of £1.50. Deputy Naughten would be slightly embarrassed about that and Deputy Burton is very embarrassed by it. I have seen her cringe when that has been mentioned.

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