Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As one of the youngest Deputies in this Dáil I feel the need to speak up for my generation which is fast becoming "Generation Emigrate". The policy of this State is to drive people away. The skills, ideas and knowledge that young people have are not being utilised. The Minister claims to protect basic rates of social welfare but it is clear that she is cutting them today. The social welfare of a new applicant looking for jobseeker's benefit will be cut. How is that cut not a cut? The same mantra is repeated time and again. It has also been said, correctly, that the taxpayer pays for the social welfare system and the money should be used efficiently. I agree. People on social welfare are taxpayers. The Government has increased VAT and excise duties, which are the most regressive form of tax increase available.

The changes today will affect two groups in particular, graduates coming out of third level education next year, people who are highly qualified in engineering, architecture, the arts, whatever the case may be. How can the Minister justify cutting their social welfare payment while they look for work? It is totally wrong.

As Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan and others have said, this will lead to more homelessness. The Minister should please speak to Focus Ireland, to the people who deal daily with young people at risk. They have identified this as a dangerous measure which will increase homelessness.

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