Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

In Germany, Italy, Sweden and Norway there is a work obligation when the youngest child reaches the age of three. In Finland the work obligation starts when the youngest child reaches the age of four. In the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand the age is five, in Canada it is six and in Northern Ireland, just across the Border, it is seven. Many of us in this House would admire elements of the social protection systems in place in these countries.

I have not heard an explanation from the Deputies opposite for their stance. I heard references to slash and burn but we are spending more than €20 billion on social protection. People who work contribute the taxes and PRSI that allow this money to be spent. Approximately 40% of all government expenditure is on social protection.

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