Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

It is not the way to develop public policy. It comes, then, as no surprise that the Government can deliver only 80% of their promises because of the financially changed circumstances.

Since we have moved to a higher pay-out for child benefit, we should consider paying it on a weekly basis rather than a monthly basis. More people could obtain child benefit through the electronic mechanism which can credit payments to a bank account. This could be done on a weekly basis.

I have much to say about many matters, in particular the carer's allowance. I welcome the Minister's decision to give responsibility to the health boards for the payment of the orphan and foster child allowance. Many grandparents have become foster parents of their own grandchildren, particularly in cases where the parents are drug addicts. The majority of people in this situation cannot obtain the payment – some can, though, in exceptional circumstances. It is a new phenomena, particularly in working class areas, where the grandmother, in her late 50s or 60s, is having to rear children all over again. Can this be fully extended to these cases? I will also make some comments on the social welfare allowance.

We will not vote against this Bill tonight. We will instead put forward 15 amendments tomorrow and we look forward to that debate.