Seanad debates
Wednesday, 26 November 2003
Book of Estimates 2004: Statements.
In that context, the cuts Senator Higgins referred to so eloquently earlier are really difficult to take. The overall saving probably will be less than €60 million and I do not know why the cuts have been introduced. One suspects, when one looks at the provision on the rent allowance, that it has more to do with turf wars between individual Departments than with any refocussing of benefits. They are petty and, unfortunately, the effect on individuals who will be affected by them will be considerable. They are targeted at those who are most vulnerable and least able to look after themselves. I hope, in the context of the budget and as we move into next year, that the Government will find it possible to reverse at least the two or three most prominent cuts in the rent allowance and the back to education allowance, which we all agree should not have been introduced. These cuts should be reversed and I hope that will be done.
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