I thank my colleague, Deputy Mattie McGrath, for sharing time and affording me an opportunity to speak on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010. The past few days have left no doubt about the difficulties that face the nation. It is clear these difficulties will affect everyone but however difficult are the decisions that face us, we must look forward and work through them.

We have found ourselves in an unfortunate position and have faced numerous tough budgets in the past two years. While many people have been adversely affected by the decisions taken in recent budgets, we must remember that our job is to put the country back on its feet. We are making the right decisions and working towards a brighter future with a more stable economy. While some choose to knock everything, the economy has certain strong fundamentals which suggest a bright future lies ahead. For example, we have had many job announcements this year while growth predictions for the eurozone, including Ireland, for next year and beyond are positive. We also have a flexible workforce. These factors indicate we have a bright future but we must take the correct decisions now if the country is to prosper.

The changes in our economic and financial position have left us with no choice but to reform the social welfare system. I commend the Minister on taking the necessary action and showing a willingness to do what is required and make appropriate adjustments to reflect changed times.

As I have stated previously, our priority must be to ensure the review supports those in need. We must not lose sight of the most vulnerable and needy in our system. We are all aware of how generous our welfare system has been in the past 12 years and the significant variation in welfare payments between Ireland, the United Kingdom and beyond. There is no doubt that amendments must be made to the social welfare system. In the past, the generosity of the system has resulted in people from across the Border unlawfully claiming welfare in Border counties such as Donegal.

I welcome the changes proposed in the Bill. They will result in a social welfare system that is more efficient and will clamp down on unwanted activity, while providing necessary support and services for those who are on the live register. With the unemployment figure standing at 13.7%, improvements need to be made to address the problem. Unemployment among the young and those able to work is addressed in the Bill.

I commend the Minister on taking measures to fully integrate the employment and community services of FÁS with the Department of Social Protection. This move can only help provide those on unemployment welfare with the services and advice they need. The integration of these services, which should be completed by 1 January 2011, is being done at the right time. Young people have an enormous ability to learn new skills and this must be encouraged. The current labour market demands flexibility of skills and one can never learn enough. The integration of FÁS with the Department of Social Protection will enable this area to be appropriately addressed.

The issue of youth unemployment is highly relevant in my constituency. Becoming unemployed as a young person can have a negative impact on one's general outlook on life. It is vital that young people are encouraged to stay close to the labour market. Idleness amongst young people is hazardous, therefore providing a solid service focusing on assisting them to find employment and to prepare themselves for entry into the labour market by accessing training or providing career advice, work experience or job placement is a welcome development.

The restructuring of these areas provides a more streamlined response to the needs of the unemployed and offers the necessary support to re-enter the job market. Given the job crisis, placing importance on training, development and finding employment will further strengthen our already resilient work force in Ireland. I look forward to seeing a more focused service aimed at those searching for employment. This is a major step forward for this Department, which will move away from being an income support service to providing a more proactive response, which clearly is targeting those who wish to re-enter the workforce.

I believe that necessary changes must be made to the social welfare system to cope with the higher number of people on the live register. The introduction of electronic certification is helping to create a more efficient service that will benefit those on the live register. Not only will it free up resources in order that they are more able to concentrate on client, claim payment and control issues, it also will reduce pressure on local offices and will mean a saving in costs to the Department. Given the current figures on unemployment and increased pressure on social welfare offices nationwide, it is of great importance that the system be assessed and changes made to improve work flow and how claims are processed. These improvements will benefit those on the live register through a more efficient service and will help to strengthen the social welfare service as a whole.

Clarifying the calculation of entitlement to jobseeker's allowance where weekly means comprise earnings from insurable employment in section 5, ensures the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 is not ambiguous when applying this practice. Changes and amendments such as this will help to ensure there is clarity throughout the system and can provide a concise framework of reference. Section 6 provides that the reduction in the basic rate of supplementary welfare allowance from 4 January 2010 for people under 25 years will not lead to any reduction in rent or mortgage interest supplements payable to people getting other social welfare payments. Given that reductions to social welfare are necessary, this Bill is focused on being fair and is aimed at protecting the most vulnerable.

Through the introduction of a provision which will allow for certain people who receive jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit to complete their certification or signing-on process by electronic means, the entire service can become more productive and can ensure a more up-to-date method of dealing with unemployment claims. This Bill highlights how the Government is taking the necessary steps to reform and create a comprehensive service by integrating the functions of income support, employment services and work function through the one Department.

I refer to the introduction of an amendment to the Bill on Committee Stage which will provide for the introduction of a partial capacity scheme. By making such a change, the Bill will address a critical limitation of the current social welfare code, which categorises people with long-term illnesses or disabilities as being either "fit for work" or "unfit for work". As Members are aware, the focus within the welfare system on incapacity rather than capacity carries negative consequences for people with disabilities and their families who may be trapped in welfare dependency. Therefore, the amendment will have a positive impact on those dependent on welfare and will provide a clear, more effective method of dealing with claims. I know from my own constituency experience that this is an important issue and I am relieved that changes are being made to ensure a more positive response and understanding of this situation.

Similarly, section 7, which provides a new condition requiring that from 1 January 2011, the landlord's tax reference number must be supplied to the HSE before rent supplement can be awarded to new claimants, will also help to make the Department of Social Protection more efficient and will ensure that where tenants are in receipt of the State's rent supplement, the landlords of those premises are fully tax-compliant. I believe the social welfare system can be strengthened by these amendments and that by providing a more focused, streamlined service that sets out clear guidelines for both the public and those working in the service, one can move forward and help those in need of the social welfare service.

This Bill is thorough, fair and forward thinking. As we are going through changing times, it is vital to ensure that social welfare provisions are adapted appropriately. I am relieved to see the amendments set out in this Bill and have every faith that these changes will ensure that the Government is taking the necessary steps to ensure a more integrated social welfare service that clearly focuses on those in need. In particular, given that over the past six months there has been much criticism regarding unemployment and the Government's commitment to helping those on the live register, this is a most welcome development.

I again note the Minister's intention to table a number of amendments to the Bill on Committee Stage. These will include changes to social welfare legislation arising from the provisions of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010. In addition, as mentioned previously, an amendment will provide for the introduction of a partial capacity scheme and another will provide for the transfer of the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive to the Department of Social Protection. These measures, when taken together, will help to foster a stronger social welfare service focusing on helping those in need and providing a more efficient service to them, which has proven to be a priority for the Government.

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