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

I was merely referring to our lost colleagues, and I thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, for the correction.

When I spoke last night I concentrated on the lone parents' payment and I wish to make further remarks on that. I have a deep interest in all matters relating to social and family affairs. It is where I come from, politically, and I am currently Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs, under the guidance and chairmanship of Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae, my good colleague from County Kerry.

I make my position clear on these issues. I have always taken the view that when all boats are rising we must look after the small boats. When all boats are struggling it is imperative to look after the small boats. I have often mentioned that I live in Tallaght. In recent weeks since the publication of the Bill, I have received calls from all over the Dublin region and particularly from my own constituency of Dublin South West. Many calls came from Tallaght but many also came from rural communities in Brittas and Bohernabreena and from Templeogue, Firhouse and Greenhills. It is important that we listen to what people are saying and report it, even from the Government benches. My place in the Chamber is, geographically, on the Labour benches but that is not my decision. I am happy here, by the way. I feel warm and wanted. I am not afraid to say the Government must continue, in all respects, to look after the vulnerable. This should not be a mere slogan. People are struggling in these hard times. People who have always struggled must be looked after. I have no hesitation in saying that. Other people should make sacrifices to ensure that social inclusion remains part of Government and Opposition policy.

I am conscious, from my dealings in my constituency, that many lone parents will need access to education, training and enabling services, such as child care provision to acquire the skills they will need to gain employment. A wide range of education and training opportunities is available through the Departments of Social Protection and Education and Skills and FÁS, for lone parents to strengthen their qualifications and skills base, maximise their chances of meeting the requirements of the modern labour market and gain employment.

Social welfare supports for lone parents should continue to be designed to prevent long-term dependence on social welfare and facilitate financial independence. They should recognise parental choice with regard to the care of young children but with the expectation that parents will not remain outside the labour force indefinitely. They should include an expectation of participation in education, training and employment, with supports provided in that regard. The reforms being proposed will help meet those social policy objectives, but the Minister must be particularly proactive to ensure they do.

The calls I receive from my constituents reflect the fact that people in this category are worried and concerned. They want to know what will be done for them and they need assurances. The Minister and the Department say the changes will not take effect for many years in many cases, but people are still worried. Yesterday, I received a letter from Green Park, in the Greenhills area. The writer wanted to know who would look after her teenage child and if her family would be safe when the new regulations are in force. Her point was a fair one and I hope the Minister understands the issues and the concerns of lone parents.

I listened to the main spokespeople yesterday. I do not want to praise them in case I get them into trouble, but many fair points were made as to how we should look after people who will be under pressure. The Minister appeared before the Select Committee on Social and Family Affairs and dealt with the Estimates for his Department. Questions were put to him by the Opposition spokespeople, Deputies Olwyn Enright and Róisín Shortall, and by my Fianna Fáil colleagues. I was glad to hear the Minister was prepared to engage with us. He made the point that he will continue to engage with the all-party committee and will come back to the committee next week to continue that dialogue. Those of us who work on the ground know it is important to listen to what people are saying and not to be afraid to represent their concerns in the Oireachtas. I say to the Minister that we must continue to care and to look after people who need our help. Those of us who are in a better position to get through the recession should understand the need to help those who are vulnerable. I hope we will continue to do that.

I have already referred to the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs. I am proud to be its vice chairman. With an all-party approach, the committee has launched a number of reports, including one on social welfare fraud which received much attention and raised considerable debate. Deputies Olwyn Enright and Thomas Byrne issued a comprehensive report on the high levels of indebtedness in Irish society. We took a radical approach in those reports.

I have made the point to the Minister on more than one occasion - I repeated it yesterday - that a specific category of citizens of this country is now looking for social welfare assistance. I hope the people in question are not offended when I say I regard them as the "new poor". They were doing well six months or a year ago - they were in employment, they could go on holidays, they were able to go to see Manchester United on a regular basis, they had no difficulties with their bills and commitments and they certainly had no difficulties with their mortgages. It has come as a bolt from the blue for them to have to struggle in this manner. As I have said previously, I try to bring my own experiences to my own politics. I was made redundant three times and had to reinvent myself each time. If it happens again, I will cope.

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