Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I oppose section 4 because of the unjust cuts proposed to all social assistance payments. We are talking about a 6% cut this side of Christmas, and after Christmas, to social assistance payments to those under the age of 66 and yet Ministers are only taking an additional 5% cut in their salaries. The types of cuts proposed for the most vulnerable people in society are immoral. It is disgraceful admission by the Government that the policy-proofing document, which should have been provided to the Cabinet prior to making and signing off on this decision, was not presented to it.

Will the Minister respond to an issue which has come to my attention in regard to the carer's allowance and the free travel scheme? I have a constituent who is in receipt of the carer's allowance for a child under the age of 16 but over the age eight. While the carer gets the free travel pass, the child does not and the carer must pay for the child to attend hospital in Dublin four times each month. Since the costs involved would be minuscule, surely an amendment could be made to the free travel scheme when it comes before us next year to deal with that limited number of cases

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