Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I asked this question in the context of the commitment in the programme for Government that the Government will maintain social welfare rates. Is that commitment in respect of all social welfare programmes and all rates? Is it for this year, next year and every year? The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, spoke last week about the finances being on track and the commitment in last year's budget being adhered to, in order words, so far so good in respect of the public finances. Does that now afford the Minister the opportunity to commit more specifically than she has done heretofore, reaffirm the commitment in the programme for Government and state now that existing social welfare rates will remain?

I worry when I hear the Minister say "in the context of the budget", "the most effective programmes" and so forth because that may mean she is beginning to make choices in regard to rates. The Minister's commitment is in regard to all welfare rates. Can the Minister reaffirm that considering what the Minister for Finance said last week?

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