Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

Táim buíoch duit as deis labhairt ar an mBille seo. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I have listened intently to Deputy Costello. As a Fianna Fáil backbencher, I am very proud of the record of the Fianna Fáil Governments over the past 12 years on the issue of welfare benefits. The current budget is almost €21 billion. When we consider inflation was of the order of 40% over those 12 years, the State old-age pension benefit increased by 120%, unemployment benefit increased by 130% and child benefit increased by 330%. That is a phenomenal record and rather than being critical of Fianna Fáil-led governments, Deputy Costello should recognise that Ireland is way ahead of its European counterparts.

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