Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland is one of the fairest countries in the world in terms of wealth equality for two reasons. One is that we have the fairest and most progressive tax system in the OECD, which is recognised independently by the OECD, and the second, and the reason we are here today, is that we have this social protection regime. In particular, I welcome the increases in the State pension for those over 66, including qualified adults.

It is not all great news as it was not the giveaway budget that most would have predicted. It was modest in terms of what we could do and that was appropriate. However, there is one cohort of people I would have liked to have seen being looked at more favourably. This cohort is suffering, as I have mentioned several times to the Minister and will continue to do so. I refer to those who are living alone and who are entirely dependent on social protection. It would cost €8 million for every €1 increase in the living alone allowance and as we move forward into a more secure and stable economic environment, we should recognise that there are standard basic household costs, irrespective of the number of people living in a household. The living alone allowance could be an area in which we could achieve a greater balance in the years to come. I ask the Minister and officials to reflect on this in terms of policy in the coming year.

We have increased the rate of child benefit. It is back to €135 per month. That is a message that confirms the universality of child benefit payments here, and it sends a message that we do the best we can to look after families with young children, particularly when there are expenses relative to going to school. It is worth reflecting that in the UK and the North of Ireland, the child benefit rate is €29 per month. It is a different message entirely - and that is also pro rata on State pensions, disability pensions and most other allowances that are paid in that jurisdiction. We do not hear much about it and we do not get much trumpeting from the benches opposite about how brilliant the social protection system is in the North. That is perhaps a reason the institutions of the North are in such a precarious position. When we talk about equality in this State, we hear snide remarks from those who do not look behind and see what they are presiding over in the North.

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