Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State. I warmly welcome the Bill and I congratulate the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and her Department on continuing to build on the solid foundation stones laid by the previous Government. While there were restrictions on budgets, the Minister managed to secure a 7% increase across the board, which is a phenomenal achievement. Many lives are touched by the social welfare system and employment opportunities have improved significantly. The taxes generated as a result have been re-invested in the welfare system. Many countries, particularly in Europe, look with envy on Ireland when they see how it was done and how the population is benefiting.