Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this Bill. Before I go into the details of the legislation, I wish to say that I find it hard to believe that in the current economic climate and with this current budget we have a Minister called the Minister for Social Protection. Think about it. Ask the poor, the sick, senior citizens or the disabled where there is any protection from these cuts. Ask those working in community employment where there is any social protection from the 66.6% cut in their funding. Let us be realistic, straight and honest with the people. How can cutting fuel allowance be a social protection for our senior citizens? The Minister must see the point. This is not on. It is shameful and a disgrace.

Today, at 2 p.m. we will have the representatives of 22,474 people on community employment schemes at the gates of Leinster House. I will support them strongly and I urge all Members with backbone to go out and meet these people. They have taken a cut of 66% in their funding and that is the truth. I challenged the Tánaiste on the way he responded to some of these questions this morning. As well as sticking it into the disabled and senior citizens with the fuel allowance, the Government is now sticking into the people on community employment schemes, which provide services for the disabled and poor people.

It is a pity Deputy Byrne is no longer here. I say to her and to the Government that they must get off the high moral ground with regard to talking about taking tough decisions. That side of the House was in opposition last time around and the ranting and raving that used to go on over on this side then was mind blowing. They should not come along now and defend the situation.

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