Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister for Social Protection has had to implement unspecified cuts decided upon by the previous Government. I share the Deputy's concern for all our elderly people. While I am not sure of the weather forecast for next December-January, obviously if this winter is as cold as was last winter people will suffer. The position is that the Minister for Social Protection found, upon taking up that portfolio, a whole series of decisions made but nothing to back them up. Obviously, the comprehensive spending review and analysis of it will have to ensure some measure of priority for the protection of our elderly citizens. The Minister for Social Protection will, in so far as is possible, see that that happens.

See this speech in context