Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)

I was astonished to see this motion on the Order Paper. That Fianna Fáil Members who were instrumental in making massive cuts in social welfare benefits to the most vulnerable in our society should put forward this type of motion is incredible. The current Government is implementing many of the cuts introduced by its Fianna Fáil predecessors. Thus we have Fianna Fáil past, the Government effectively operating as Fianna Fáil present and a pretence at Fianna Fáil future in the stance of that party in opposition. It is all poppycock.

I support the Sinn Féin amendment to the motion. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, made a poor choice of words when she referred to "lifestyle choice" in respect of people who are unemployed through no fault of their own. The new anti-fraud initiative referred to in the Government amendment is also a cause for concern. Much of the savings that could be made under this initiative relate to administrative errors within the Department rather than fraud on the part of claimants. However, some people are turning into Citizen Smith in this regard. They are able to call the Department anonymously and declare that a particular person is engaged in welfare fraud. A welfare officer is then required to visit the home of the accused person, whose dignity is thereby attacked. If no fraud is proved, the person who made the claim is not accountable in any way. Urgent change is required in this regard. If a person claims another individual is guilty of fraud, the former should be obliged to provide his or her name, address and PPS number and, where the claim is found to be untrue, be subject to a fine.

I seek a categorical assurance from the Minister that there will be no reduction in the rate of child benefit in the upcoming budget. This is a crucial benefit which has been reduced three times in the past three years. There must be no further reduction in this vital support.

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