Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to make a brief contribution to this important debate. I compliment our colleague, Deputy Róisín Shortall, on giving us the opportunity to make these contributions. I do not remember 1944, but I remember bygone days when, as a small child, I was aware of when my mother collected the child benefit. It was a long time ago but on those days, which is probably why I remember them, one got an extra penny for going to the shops. At that time it was not compulsory for the mother to draw the benefit but in our case my mother did. I do not hesitate to support calls on the Minister to do her utmost next week where child benefit is concerned.

Many people have been saying to me in recent days that they wish today was budget day because, as the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, said recently, there has never been so much debate, speculation and comment on a budget. That has been the case throughout the past number of weeks. In Tallaght, where I live, one can see posters on almost every lamp post - they have been produced by the Socialist Party, to which I do not mind giving a plug - urging people to turn up at my clinic in Tallaght Welfare Society next Saturday morning to protest. If I tried to advertise my availability, the council would summons me and take down the posters. However, the socialists can do it. It is a reminder of the season we are in.

Like other colleagues, we have been meeting various groups in recent weeks. They make strong cases on behalf of their causes. As Vice Chairman of the committee on social and family affairs I, along with Deputies Róisín Shortall, Thomas Byrne and other colleagues as well as the Chairman, Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae, have met the carers, the Alzheimers group and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Every group can make a strong case for their cause. We have been listening to them on the Government benches and we are anxious to represent what they say and their serious concerns. To be parochial again, I am a member of the board of Tallaght Welfare Society. It has been in existence for 40 years, serving the disadvantaged in a caring way. The society made a pre-budget submission this year as always, which mentioned all the issues that concern communities. The society highlighted the importance of child benefit.

I listened to the Minister's contribution last night and I was glad she made the point that at this important time in our history child benefit remains a priority for the vulnerable families who need it. I will not get into the argument about millionaire families receiving the benefit. I have a clear view but I must be careful how I express it because the last time I expressed it I was misquoted. I do not mind being misquoted because any publicity at my level is appreciated, but it is important to make the point that I want to continue to represent people who are in the less well-off bracket and people who are vulnerable. We always said that at a time when big boats were rising it was important to remember the little boats. If all boats are struggling, it is absolutely imperative to look after the little boats.

All the organisations I mentioned, and others, have spoken. There were protests outside this building today and yesterday. Everybody has a strong case to make and a cause all of us would wish to support. I wish the Minister, Deputy Mary Hanafin, well over the next week because she will have a difficult job. I hope even Members on the Opposition benches will support her. She will have to fight her cause and I suspect she will do it very skilfully. The announcement will be made this day next week, although, as I said earlier, many people are saying to me, "For God's sake, let us have it today". I hope the vulnerable are protected, and that includes child benefit.

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