Cyprian Brady (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The contributory pension has increased from €113 ten years ago to €230, an increase of over 100%. Old people appreciate that and accept that conditions have improved. I have spoken to pensioners on this issue and they see it as a bonus they receive at Christmas. The vast majority would rather have a bonus reduced or taken away at Christmas once a year rather than having their payment cut on a weekly basis. That makes life more difficult for people.

In my constituency, we have a large number of people dependent on welfare payments such as lone parent's allowance, invalidity, disability or pension payments. A certain section of society will not be able to manage finances and income and will end up in trouble irrespective of the payment they receive. These people must be assisted. It is incumbent on every Member of the House to ensure that these people are aware of what is available. They can make a telephone call to the money advice and budgeting service; they do not have to go to the office.

Other Members referred to moneylenders. I have dealt with cases where people got into trouble with moneylenders. The advice we can give them is that there is help out there for them. There is a welfare system in place to assist them. Some people cannot cope or live from day to day and find moneylenders knocking at their doors. We must protect those people. We must make adjustments now rather than waiting and making tougher decisions, which would have a more direct impact on people, later in the year or next year. Only in the good times could a 100% bonus be paid. The sum of over €200 million saved will ensure that those who need it most get it and weekly payments will not be affected directly. They will be in a position to continue to manage their finances week to week.

Fraud is being tackled and taken seriously. Great resources are being put into it and this is money well spent. There are opportunities out there. For many years I have listened to people saying that a person was not entitled to a payment but was receiving it or taking advantage of the system. We must accept that fraud takes place, and we must tackle it. The Department had major success on fraud towards the end of last year. Whatever resources are needed will ensure that those who most need it will get it, as will the most vulnerable people. Early signalling of this change will give people a chance-----

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