Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

While listening to the Opposition Members, one would think they had no hand, act or part in any of the heartache the poor people of Ireland are obliged to endure. I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the great work being done by the Minister, Deputy Joan Burton. This jobs initiative is good legislation and I welcome the reversal of the reduction of the minimum wage. I wholeheartedly encourage the Minister to continue her work in respect of fraud. I also greatly welcome the lowering of the 8.5% rate of employer PRSI. Deputy Kelleher should acknowledge that to be a highly transparent measure which is making a major difference to people engaged in the tourism industry, especially in the region in which I live. I wish to acknowledge its importance and warmly welcome Deputy Kelleher's welcome for the internship scheme. While the welcome was couched as though the measure was simply an initiative of the previous Administration, I wish to ensure the Deputy realises it is an initiative of the current Government.

I have discussed the matter of social welfare appeals with the Minister on a previous occasion. It can take up to 14 months for an appeal to be processed. I ask the Minister for her help in the case of an elderly gentleman in my constituency who is 90 years of age. He has appealed his pension and it will take 18 months to come to a hearing. I acknowledge the good work of the appeals office in Sligo in dealing with the massive back log. This elderly gentleman has an infirm wife and he was crying when I met him a few days ago. We must protect the most vulnerable in our society. Social welfare is in existence to protect the most vulnerable people in society. I welcome the Bill and, in particular, the proposals for the jobs initiative. I look forward to these measures making a positive difference for both employers and employees alike.

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