Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Meanwhile, the Government will continue to prepare for the budget, taking all options into account. It is right that we look at all options. In last April's supplementary budget, the Minister for Finance indicated that child benefit would be examined. The McCarthy report also made reference to it. When there are limited resources one must assist those who are most vulnerable and, perhaps, make adjustments for others who are on higher incomes. These options are being looked at.

Given the size of the adjustment which must be made, social welfare cannot be immune. We must be careful in coming to decisions in this area. We will use the time available for further discussion, we will come to our conclusions and bring those decisions to the House.

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