Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

If someone wants to participate on a FÁS scheme or other training scheme, he should be allowed to do so. It is better to have people in these schemes than drawing social welfare. At least they are being retrained and re-educated and may re-enter the workplace when the economy picks up.

With regard to the Christmas bonus, the Minister will have a big test next December when the budget is announced. The easy target in the last budget comprised the recipients of the Christmas bonus. They have no lobby group to fight for them and will not be able to protest outside the Dáil because some will not have the resources or money to come to Dublin. They are located all over the country and there is great anger over the stance on the Christmas bonus, in respect of which the Minister has failed. In the December budget, the Minister must protect the most vulnerable, including people on social welfare. While an increasing number of people is joining the live register, representing a draw on the Exchequer, we must look after the most vulnerable and ensure their income, livelihoods and families are protected.

The recent budget was anti-family. There seems to be an attack on the family in this country all the time, particularly since the time of former Minister for Finance, Mr. Charlie McCreevy. The trend has continued under the present Government. Our Constitution stipulates that children and families should always be treated equally but they have not been looked after.

The jobseeker's allowance has been decreased from €200 per week to €100 per week, which is wrong. When the son or daughter of parents already on social welfare is given €100 per week in social welfare, he or she finds it inadequate. If young people go out at night to a disco or make a contribution to the household, this sum is not enough. It is wrong that they are being treated in this way. They do not want to be on social welfare but want to have a job.

The Minister has a difficult job and must get funding. The budget in December will test her mettle and she should ensure she looks after the most vulnerable.

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