Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I cannot make any commitment about what will or will not be included in the budget. That is a matter to be decided by the Government. The announcement of the budget will be made in this House. I acknowledge and share the Deputies' concerns that during this very difficult period for the economy we should protect those who are most vulnerable, particularly the elderly and people who have retired. However, for people of working age, the best way to get back to financial independence is for the Government to assist them to get a job. Most of those who, unfortunately, are languishing on the live register would love to have an opportunity to return to work. That must be the focus of policy. For that reason, I am reforming the system in the Department of Social Protection to provide for a process that will not be passive, whereby we leave people alone when they receive social welfare payments, rather we should give them options. It is difficult to get a job, but many could return to school, training or education and take opportunities provided by internships. We must expand the range of options available, as well as providing, when we roll out the new Pathways to Work programme, a more dedicated one-on-one service for persons who are unemployed.

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