Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I have spelled out what the suspension of the Christmas bonus will mean in practical terms but the backbenchers probably know that already. I have cited the types of families that will be affected and how they already are struggling, and the backbenchers know that too. However, they also must know what the public is saying about them, which is that they would rather defend their long-service increment than the Christmas bonus for long-term welfare recipients. For the most part, I do not believe this is true because when a rumour circulated late last year that the Government would not pay the 2008 Christmas bonus, several Fianna Fáil Deputies spoke up and showed just whose side they were on.

For example, the new Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady had something to say in this regard. When it was finally confirmed that a payment would be made, Deputy Brady declared, "The Government ensured that this Christmas bonus payment would be protected as so many people rely on that extra money at Christmas and use it to plan their finances over that period." This point still holds true now and there is something ironic about the fact that the Deputy in question, who understood last year the importance of the Christmas bonus, now has responsibility for the elderly. I hope she still understands its importance. The Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, described the Christmas bonus as a €200 million boost for the Irish economy, which it was. The economy needs it more than ever in 2009, as nothing has changed except that matters have worsened. Deputy O'Flynn reminded those who had been calling him with regard to the Christmas bonus that, "I have been pressing the Minister for Social Welfare on this matter". Deputy O'Flynn can stand up tomorrow in respect of this issue when it counts.

I believe most Fianna Fáil Deputies, and perhaps even some from the Green Party, are secretly angered by this cut. I believe that most of them do not consider it to be fair and that many realise it is not necessary and constitutes a huge political mistake. If this is the case, why do they allow those who are at the top dictate to them? How can they tell their constituents that cutting the Christmas bonus is an act of social solidarity? How can the backbenchers stand behind a Cabinet that ignored them on medical cards for the over-70s and now is ignoring them on this issue? I urge each Government backbencher to use the hours between now and the vote tomorrow to convince their Cabinet colleagues that this is not the correct course of action and that other options are available to the Government.

If backbenchers can turn around the Government before tomorrow's vote in the interests of the poor, their constituents and their party, they should do so, as this is their chance. However, if backbenchers cannot force a change before tomorrow's vote, why do they still support the Government? If the Cabinet cannot reinstate a Christmas bonus for pensioners, on what are Members voting? Will the backbenchers make clear where they stand? They either are silent lobby fodder or are in this House to represent their constituents' views. If they cannot change this measure, what power do they have? While the social conscience of the Fianna Fáil party may be switched off, surely the backbenchers' political gut tells them this is wrong. The choice for such backbenchers is simple. They must change this proposal overnight or join with the Labour Party to vote against the savage cutting of the Christmas bonus.

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