John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I strongly support the Labour Party motion proposed by Deputy Shortall. I hope it will be supported and given consideration for implementation in the budget next week. As Deputy Naughten said, Fine Gael's position on child benefit has been clear for some time, that it should not be touched in the forthcoming budget. We recognise that savings must be made but we have outlined and will outline ways in which they can be made without interfering with child benefit.

I listened to the Minister's contribution and I support her in terms of the sensitivities and so forth that she will bring to this issue. However, the big issue for the people in my constituency is the fear of thousands of families in this country in which people have lost their jobs, are unable to keep up with mortgage payments or are working three day weeks. These people are suffering. As we approach next Wednesday the main fear for the old age pensioner is what will happen to the pension, while for families with children it is what will happen to child benefit. The safety cushion of the Christmas bonus for social welfare recipients has been taken away. They now fear the child benefit will also be taken away.

The parents of thousands of children will continue to do without themselves in these tough times but the single message they do not want to give their children is that they cannot provide them with the necessities, not the luxuries, of life. These could be clothing, Christmas presents or a pair of football boots a child needs to go to their local club for coaching. These are necessities for people, the things that are needed to prevent the creation of a greater divide in our society. All Members have heard the pre-budget submissions of various groups and organisation over the last few weeks. We have heard that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is at breaking point due to the increased demands on the society. Most of those demands come from families with children, who cannot cope with the all the difficulties they face. If the society is unable to cope at present, how will it cope if child benefit is interfered with in next week's budget? It will be a step too far.

A number of groups in our society cannot speak up for themselves and need protection. Perhaps the Government holds the same view. The elderly would be considered one of them, although they certainly spoke up for themselves last year and made the Government change its mind about removing the medical card from the over 70s. Another group is people with disabilities and another is children. With regard to the elderly, the Taoiseach has already guaranteed that the pension will not be interfered with.

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