Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the social welfare aspects of the recent budget. Now that the dust has settled, at least partially, it is possible to analyse the budget more objectively. This is of particular relevance in respect of some of the overzealous and knee-jerk comments Members have heard in recent days. That said, I acknowledge the objective and constructive critique offered by some in the Opposition. In particular, I welcome some of the measured and considered comments made by Deputy Michael McGrath.

Social welfare is an area that should not be dismissed lightly and is an integral part of society in every constituency in Ireland. I have witnessed at first hand its tremendous benefits, as well as the reassurance and comfort it provides to people who are in extreme need. I have first-hand experience of the role it plays for vulnerable families in my constituency, be they in Laytown, Drogheda, Dunleer, Ardee, Dundalk or Carlingford.

The Government has made a commitment to the people of Ireland that it would not cut social welfare payments in the budget and this is what it has done. This has been a source of great reassurance to many people, some of whom have contacted me to express as much. The absence of cuts to primary weekly social welfare rates is the obvious benefit that will accrue to people. However, there are numerous others. For example, rates for weekly payments such as jobseeker's benefit and allowance, illness benefit, invalidity pensions, disability allowance, blind pensions, carer's benefits and allowances and widows pensions will not change. This is a fair commitment by the Government to families, individuals and communities in Ireland. It is worth noting that these numerous measures have been selectively missing from much comment on the budget.

Further commitments include retaining child benefit at €140 per child, while older people will continue to receive their State pensions at current levels. These measures will help to reassure society. As stated, older people will continue to receive their State pensions at current rates, while other benefits have been continued, including the free travel scheme, free television licences, telephone allowances, living alone allowances and the over-80 years allowances. In addition, the weekly carer's allowance and benefit rates for carers will not be changed. The half-rate carer's allowance will continue to be paid to those who are full-time carers and who are receiving another welfare benefit. The increased payment to those caring for more than one person also will be retained. They also will continue to receive annual respite care grants of €1,700 for each care recipient. Consequently, it is clear to see that the vulnerable in society have been protected. Some of these measures will protect them from the worst consequences of this deep recession.

As a Government, the coalition is not perfect. However, I welcome the decision by the Taoiseach, Deputy Kenny, to pause the cut to disability allowance for people under the age of 21. This shows that while the Government is fallible, it listens to the people and they, together with the best interests of the country, are at the forefront of the Government's mind. It is worth repeating that the Government is committed to the best interests of the country and if that means it must make tough decisions at times, that is what it will do. The Government will not waver in its firm commitment to the restoration of the economic vitality of this great nation. The simple fact is that the Government, ever aware of its social obligations, decided to reduce its correction in social welfare expenditure from €665 million to €475 million. However, it is worth remembering that these necessary savings have been made while not cutting social welfare payments, while maintaining payments to carers and while protecting older people, one of the most vulnerable groups in society.

Despite these necessary cuts, it should be remembered that the Department of Social Protection still will spend €20.5 billion in 2012. This is not an insignificant figure. I will make one final point, which is that the Government is committed to taking firm action for the greater benefit of Ireland. For this, I do not apologise and nor will I. The Government will not shirk the issue and will make tough decisions as and when necessary. However, it always will do what is fair in a just manner. I commend this budget to the House.

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