Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have always been supportive of the Minister, Deputy Burton, in her difficult role in Cabinet and in dealing with the difficult issues there. Perhaps she will adapt a new slogan, "Joan's way and not Enda's way", instead of the current Tánaiste who said it was going to be "Labour's way or Frankfurt's way". Good luck to her agus go n-éirí an t-ádh léi.

I welcome some measures in the Bill, including proposed changes. I think it is time for change. Like the previous speaker, we can never underestimate how difficult it is for people at the margins of society. They include elderly people on pensions, many of whom have only one pension in the household, as well as the sick and disabled. During the lifetime of this Government there have been three serious attacks on them, which caused protests.

Family carers are taking an enormous burden off hospitals and the health system generally, which is creaking at the seams. They must always be at the forefront of our concerns as they are less well off. Over the years, they have paid into the system and have done the State some service by doing their best.

We should try to intervene with the workers at the Paris Bakery who are engaged in a sit-in. The way they have been treated is unfair. As a self-employed person and an employer for more than 30 years, I understand how difficult it is for all sides, but when such companies go into liquidation, it is not fair if workers do not receive their due rights. They should, and must, get them.

I disagree with section 7 which provides that increases in jobseekers' allowances, pre-retirement allowances, supplementary welfare allowances, disability allowances and farm assist payments in respect of the qualified adult recipient will not be payable for any period during which the qualified adult is resident, whether temporarily or permanently, outside the State or in prison or otherwise detained in legal custody. That is a bit harsh. The farm assist, for example, is a vital payment to keep families viable on agricultural smallholdings, particularly in disadvantaged areas. In addition, they might be trying to put children through college. I ask the Minister to make allowances for this.

I know the Minister goes to visit her good friend in Tipperary and is aware of that countryside's difficult terrain. People from disadvantaged areas may have to go abroad for temporary work with a landscape company, for example, or for training or a medical procedure. We should ensure, therefore, there is allowance made for that. I am not talking about people who go abroad to work on a full-time job. I am talking about people who leave to upskill themselves and gain experience abroad.

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