Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Socialism has a number of characteristics. The social partnership model is fully within the social democratic philosophy. Another characteristic is a high level of public investment. Fianna Fáil has been good on that front over the past few years. That subject was not given any importance by the rainbow Government as it approached the election in 1997.

The Government has a good record on social welfare. In fact, it was re-elected partly on the basis of the large child benefit increases. In all fairness, however, it should be pointed out that Proinsias De Rossa, as Minister for Social Welfare, gave substantial increases in that area too. That policy stretched across two Governments. The Government's re-election was also due to what was done for old age pensioners, which was unique to this Government. Another factor was the fulfilment, over a period of years, of the recommendations of the commission on social welfare. Members will remember the then Minister, former Deputy Gemma Hussey, saying a number of years ago that the country simply could not afford it.