Dáil debates

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

5:00 pm

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

One of the objectives of the Government's deliberations at present is to protect as far as possible and to the greatest extent the weakest in society as we try to stabilise the public finances and move them towards balance in the coming years. I point out that during better times this Government's record in respect of social welfare increases is a very good one, comparing most favourably with that of any preceding Administration. Consistently, social welfare entitlements ran well in excess of consumer price index and cost of living increases. That was quite rightly the case as we sought to implement the national anti-poverty strategy which brought basic payments well up to the percentage of average wages, as was required under that strategy. Indeed, that objective was exceeded with regard to pensions, child benefit and the introduction of a number of supports which have had a major effect in reducing to historically low levels the levels of consistent poverty in this country, despite the recent very difficult times we have experienced.

The record of social welfare support was based very much on the philosophy of those Governments, namely, to ensure that the improved resources generated during the good times provided for those most vulnerable. That is evidenced by the fact that we now have a social welfare and social support system that costs taxpayers in the region of €21 billion now against revenues that are in the €30 billions rather than the €40 billions or €50 billions as envisaged. That is an indication of the considerable resources that were quite rightly applied to this area in recent times.

We must now adapt to a new situation. The question of sustainability is as, or more, important for those on limited incomes as it is for those who are in a position through their productive life to obtain remuneration well in excess of social welfare entitlements. The question of sustainabilitly is as important for those categories as it is for others. It behoves us all to make sure we try to address that issue. The room for manoeuvre is clearly very limited.

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