Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Enright for bringing this motion before the House. It has been an extremely useful debate, and hopefully some good will come from it. I refer to the attachment of fines. Fine Gael has introduced Bills to the House several times. We were promised immediate action by the Government at least to avoid the people concerned having to go to jail and to ensure that fines were paid on a detached basis either through income or social welfare. However, nothing has happened. Some simple measures could be introduced which would not cost any money. They would save staff and jail time and would be a good deal better for everyone concerned.

We all accept that with 371,000 people on the dole there is a good deal of pressure on the system. We must ensure that they can be dealt with in the most sympathetic way possible. While I accept that those seeking jobseeker's benefit are not in such a bad position, those seeking jobseeker's allowance, especially those who were self-employed and who subsequently found themselves out of work and income, and in some cases in serious debt, find themselves in such a position. That issue must be dealt with in a more sympathetic and urgent manner.

The farm assist scheme was introduced during the previous economic downturn and we were assured that up to 40,000 people would benefit. However, the number of recipients never rose above 8,000. That was partly because of the way the regulations were imposed. As a result of the current economic situation, many farmers' sons who had been in good employment in the building industry or elsewhere now find themselves back at home and under significant pressure. The price of product generally has come down and there has been a disaster in the milk sector. Sometimes, when social welfare officials visit a farm and see the new buildings forced on farmers in recent times as a result of the nitrates directives, they might get the impression that the place is doing well with good stock and new buildings. However, there is no income, which is the real issue. The potential income of such people should be the only means by which the farm assist scheme should implemented. In recent times, grants have not been paid. Those who will be paid will only receive 40% and a further 20% two years later. However, the REPS 4 payment was due last October. According to an answer to a parliamentary question from the Minister last week, up to 50% of the payments have not yet been made. There is a very significant crisis in the sector with which we must deal.

I pay tribute to social welfare officers, who do a great job. I also pay tribute to the community welfare officers. Such staff are often on the front line and must make instant decisions on whether a person is entitled to money. They are the first line of assistance in very difficult situations. I thank them for the work they carry out.

I refer to Start Mortgages and those affected. It is important that we change the rules and ensure that firms may not simply go to the High Court and impose High Court costs, which is completely unfair. I was interested to hear many Government Deputies emphasising the need to stop fraud and I agree with them. However, let us remember some situations in the past where people were investigated by social welfare officers and their allowances were withdrawn, but they were reinstated some weeks later because of political pressure. I hope that changes and that fraud is properly addressed.

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