Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

-----to maintain the primary rates to give pensioners, people on jobseekers benefit, lone parents, people on invalidity and disability allowances, certainty about their primary income rate. As such, there is no cut in rates. However, savings of €475 million must be made and, in addition, the social welfare system must be reformed to make it easier for people to be supported in education, training and employment. As I have pointed out to Deputies previously, commitments were made to the troika in respect of reforming social welfare on the lines of single payments to people between the ages of approximately 18 and the time of retirement in people's 60s. This is the backdrop against which the Government addressed this.

I have heard Members on all sides make clear their views regarding the cuts. Members also have suggested that various groups should be excluded from cuts. It is extremely difficult to take away anything from people who have relied on it and who have managed their personal budgets based on their main income, as well as the additional benefits they receive. I am very sympathetic to all those who are struggling in adverse circumstances and am aware of the extent to which Members on all sides of the House are aware of this as it affects their constituents and, in some cases, members of their families.

The fact remains, however, that in a budget of more than €20 billion, the Government has been obliged to make an overall cut of 2%. It has tried to do this in a manner that is reforming and fair, while retaining the basic rate. Last year, a family with three children would have had a cut in its child benefit of €10 per month, while someone in receipt of a jobseeker's payment would have lost €8 per week. This is not happening this year and I hope this will allow people to spend with confidence-----

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