Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)

I agree with the sentiments of the motion but it would be remiss of me not to deal with the issue of the eurozone. Two months ago, Jean-Claude Trichet said we were facing into the gravest time facing the continent since the Second World War. Eventually, Angela Merkel paid attention and she has echoed these sentiments. Child benefit and the budgetary matters of our country might be insignificant if the euro is to collapse. It would mean spending over €4 on a litre of petrol. The negative effect would be hardest felt by those who are most vulnerable and who are the lowest paid. There would be mass emigration and mass unemployment. I do not wish to act as a scaremongerer but we must do what we can within the European Parliament and within our own parties.

I am slightly frustrated and I agree with the views of many speakers. Deputy Tuffy spoke about how means-testing would be inappropriate for determining the payment of child benefit. I agree with the view that benefits provided by the State should also include facilities and opportunities for children. As a social democrat I believe that every child born in this country, from whatever ethnic or social background, should be able to achieve prosperity in health, in economic terms and also in community terms.

The argument regarding means testing can only be solved by cloud computing which has so much to offer this country. Ireland has had a boom in its birth rate whereas countries in central Europe have not experienced the same growth in population needed to sustain a society, never mind an economy.

The budgetary process is ongoing and it will not be finished until Sunday night. The Government is taking note of everything that is said both in this House and outside. I apologise for saying that this Chamber is redundant to a large extent. This House should examine every Department and offer proposals and, in that way, work out a budget.

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