Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. In good times it is easy to put together a budget to keep everybody happy. However, in difficult times such as those we face today it is not so easy. Harsh and tough decisions must be taken by the Minister and the Government. The Minister has made fair decisions which will protect those who need protection in our society. She is following in the footsteps of Fianna Fáil Ministers for Social and Family Affairs through the years. The Minister recognises, as did her predecessors, the need, duty and responsibility to care for all those who need help and support.

Historically, Fianna Fáil has consistently delivered increases above and beyond the rate of inflation and innovative schemes which are the envy of social welfare recipients in many other countries throughout Europe.

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