Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

—unless we ensure that the position of the less well off in society is constantly being improved through appropriate support mechanisms. In relation to MABS, I agree with Senator Burke that it is a very useful service. However, many of those who use this service are not the very poor. In some cases, those who are very poor are better at managing their money than those who have difficulties in their homes, such as alcoholism, drug abuse or gambling. Those are the people who have difficulty managing their incomes. They often benefit from that type of service. I would like to see it expanded where possible because it does great work.

It is ridiculous to suggest that the driving force for the increases in child benefit was the release of women to the workforce, driven by IBEC. That is the greatest load of rubbish that I have heard in the House for many years and I am disappointed that Senator Ryan said it. It is not the reason for child benefit, which is a family payment to children. It is non-means tested, untaxed and goes straight to combating child poverty. It ensures, as Senator Wilson said, that people have a choice. It recognises that some may stay at home and look after their children, while others choose to join the workforce.

I also reject the statement that the Government has done nothing about child care. We have significantly increased child care places over the past five years. We have invested in standards, training and continued improvement of child care. This is something to be proud of but there is more to be done. I welcome the progress which has been made in this area.