Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It would be possible for me to ask but not to answer regarding all of the proposals in the McCarthy report because decisions have not been taken on any of them. In all of our considerations I have made it clear that we examine how a scheme or payment impacts on other schemes and not just in my Department. I want to ensure any decision made in social welfare that relates to children is examined in terms of its impact on the same family through changes in education or health. It is only when the budget is being worked out and we make our recommendations that we will see the impact.

The way the Family Support Agency was addressed in the McCarthy report was misleading. It gave the impression that by abolishing an agency there would be a €30 million saving. When the figures are broken down, much of the funding goes to the Family Support Agency while another large amount goes to counselling grants. It is not quite the same as a €30 million saving from abolishing an agency. It almost gives the impression it is entirely concerned with administration and that does a disservice to the work of the Family Support Agency.

See this speech in context