Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

I raise the issue of exceptional needs payments, which I understand the Minister for Social Protection is proposing to cut as part of her continuing crusade against families on low incomes. The exceptional needs payment is, by definition, made to families with exceptional needs. Last year, almost 250,000 payments were made under this scheme. Throughout the Government's programme of austerity and its budget cuts, the Minister, Deputy Burton, reassured people that they could always go to their community welfare officers if they found themselves in dire need. Now, however, it seems the Government is intent on cutting even this safety net.

Does the Minister plan to take €8.5 million from some of the poorest families in the State and where does the Tánaiste suggest they go? Does he suggest they should simply present to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul? Is it now Government policy to slash basic entitlements for those on low incomes, remove safety nets, wash its hands of responsibility and rely on organisations like the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to pick up the pieces?

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