Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

For a second year, there have been no cuts in the core payment rates of social welfare. By maintaining the rates of primary social welfare payments, we are ensuring that people will not have to worry about their main weekly financial support. However, this means that savings must be made elsewhere. I wish this were not so but unfortunately it is the case. The cut of €16.50 per week which the previous Fianna Fáil-led Government made in respect of various allowances-----

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