Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Government ploughs on with its intention to deny people the right to retire at 65, something the people of this country were quite clear on at the time of the last general election. Sinn Féin has reinforced that message in this House, and it is only because of the pressure exerted by us and through public opinion that a stop was put to raising the age further to 68.

Now the Government is proposing to hit workers and employers with five consecutive blanket PRSI increases. As I say, things are tough enough for employers and businesses at the moment. On this point, I must mention the pressure businesses are feeling in parts of my constituency due to regular interruptions to their public water supply. Owing to these constant interruptions, some businesses have been forced to shut their doors when hit. This results in lost earnings and genuine challenges for those businesses that find it difficult enough to make ends meet when there is no lack of water. This is due to the Government's increasingly hands-off approach to public services to absolve itself of responsibility. The business owners remain responsible for their businesses, workers and communities. They shoulder their responsibilities whereas the Government farms out its responsibilities.

To go back to the matter at hand, under our plan we would increase employer PRSI on the portion of pay above €100,000. This would immediately cover the cost of introducing the right to retire on a pension for those who have reached the age of 65. The Pensions Commission confirmed it is possible to put the Social Insurance Fund on a sustainable footing and afford people a right to retire on a pension at 65. The Government has ignored this. What do the Members on the Government benches have to say to workers like block layers, people on the factory floor and others whom the Government is denying the right to retire?

People with disabilities, as well as carers, also deserved much more from this budget. Carers saw no increase in the support grant, while people with disabilities were given an increase of just €12 when we all know about the increased costs of living with a disability. Sinn Féin would have increased the payment by €20. We would also have increased the core rate of the fuel allowance by €5. Instead of taking this approach, the Government left the fuel allowance totally unchanged. This is a dereliction of duty towards those most in need.

We will support this Bill because we must see an increase in welfare rates, but the budget package is light on long-term vision such as that which would ensure a minimum essential standard of living. People will continue to struggle, and the Government, including the Minister, is the cause.

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