Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I move:

That Seanad Éireann, noting that as a consequence of the Estimates for 2004

–Back to Education Allowance is all but abolished at third level

–Conditions for the Rent Supplement are to be severely curtailed and restricted

–Crèche supplement for childcare will be discontinued

–Earnings threshold for Disability and Unemployment Benefit will go up and

–Duration for Unemployment Benefit payments will be reduced,

condemns this assault on the living standards and educational opportunities of the most disadvantaged in our society.