Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

We are discussing changes to one aspect of the social welfare code, namely, the qualified child increase, but we seem to be drifting everywhere. Will the Minister confirm that only 50% of social welfare recipients get the full, primary rate? According to the Department, this is a fact.

Much of the Minister's response referred to how great it was that the primary social welfare rates were untouched. I agree with her and have no problem saying well done. Instead of doing as we suggested and leaving every aspect of the social welfare code untouched except where a tightening up of the system was required to address major problems, the Minister went after secondary rates, including the likes of the qualified child increase, fuel allowance, back to school allowance, rent supplement etc. These were introduced to address identified poverty traps because people could not afford to live on the primary rates. While I welcome that primary rates have not been affected, by cutting the amount that people get through secondary benefits, the Government is targeting the most vulnerable and those who depend on social welfare rates.

We would all love if secondary rates were not necessary because primary rates captured everything. I discussed working towards this objective with Deputy Ó Cuív last year and have since discussed it with departmental officials, but it is a long way off. If the Government keeps slashing secondary benefits, which were set up to help those living in misery, it will be taking a dangerous route. The majority of the people in question have families and it is usually children who suffer the most.

We can blame Fianna Fáil, the troika and everyone else, but there are alternative proposals to capture moneys from wealthy members of society. There are many such people, including those who receive considerable amounts of money from the Exchequer, for example, consultants. Although moves have been made previously, the Government could have legislated to reduce consultants' remuneration to €150,000 per year, thereby saving €100 million or €120 million. I cannot remember the exact figure. A number of steps could have been taken before the Government even considered taking money out of the pockets of social welfare recipients. I have warned of the consequences in terms of jobs.

As we have limited time, I will not prolong the debate on this matter. We are not on a proper Committee Stage where we could tease it out fully.

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