Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue. There is no doubt that inequalities exist in society. They are a product of complex economic ideologies over time. There is no getting away from the fact that Ireland practises so-called democratic capitalism. Often we have to play by rules in which we had no say in the first place. I refer in particular to our approach to promissory notes and sovereign debt in any deals entered into on behalf of the State, which we have to fulfil if we are to consider ourselves players on the international stage or in the global village where we compete for investment as a small open economy.

Having said this, we have created a social welfare system to address the imbalance that naturally occurs in society, not just now but forever. It occurs because of unequal opportunities and the disadvantages that arise from them. It is always very important, however, that we continue to strive to create a fair and equal society, because we all know in our hearts that no matter what one achieves in a society or what one has, if one's neighbour does not have something there is no way one is not affected by that.

Sometimes it seems as if a line has been drawn and people in government do not know what is going on. Those in touch with their constituents know what is happening. A different approach is needed which involves tangible solutions and, as I said, not selling populism to people and making gains from their pain.

This Government has taken an approach of encouraging economic prosperity through free enterprise and work. In turn, the money generated by that will mean more work will be created and individuals and their families can be empowered. The returns to the Exchequer from that would allow us to invest in things like poverty, inequality, health services and anything else we, as a society, deem to be a noble objective. Money has to come from somewhere and, as we know, we are still borrowing money to keep the country going.

There is no doubt that great strides have been made since the last general election in terms of jobs creation. Some 80,000 jobs have been created and the unemployment rate now stands at 10.6%, having been at a high of 15.1%. These are facts which need to be talked about to give people some hope, and not the despair generated by disproportionate arguments which are grounded not in reality but in the hope of generating some political capital or gain and causing instability in the process.

When the budget was announced last year I was delighted to see that it included a back-to-work dividend for families and an increase in child benefit. There was a commitment by the Government to address the cost of child care, which is a problem for families. We had a debate on the issue last week. Some families feel they are better off not working at all. I understand the low pay commission will convene this week. It needs to be more attractive for people to work rather than be on social welfare.

It is very easy for politicians to bandy about phrases like "the so-called rich." I know people in my town who might fit that category. The only real definition of "higher earners" in this country is under our income tax regime. One is a high earner in this country if one earns in excess of €33,800 a year, which is not a lot of money. The reality is that in my town people who had business and made investments have run into financial difficulties. Some are practically bankrupt and when their businesses went to the wall they were not able to claim an social welfare, despite jumping through hoops, even though they had supported jobs for years.

People in receipt of reasonable middle incomes cannot afford to send their children to college, but if they were unemployed their children would receive a higher education grant. Such people are experiencing great difficulties and have nowhere to turn to in the State. They are worried and hope for the best for their children. I do not think any sector of society, especially where I am from, has not been affected. That is the truth about the difficulties which exist.

The motion cites many statistics. I refer to balanced regional development. It involves dealing with the long-term unemployed and providing broadband, water and sewerage services. We are now benefitting from Irish Water projects. None of those things have been mentioned, but they are real issues where I live. I am glad we have plans to address matters such as the regional enterprise strategy, the broadband plan and investment in water, sewerage and roads infrastructure. I fully support the track the Government is on and the stability that has been created, and I look forward to our continuing on this path.

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