Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

The people who benefit from these schemes decide who is in Government and they made a statement two years ago.

I refer to changes in work permit provisions and people entering Ireland from the accession states. A total of 16,500 of the 47,000 permits granted last year were issued to EU citizens. Following enlargement on 1 May, the population of the EU will expand significantly and it is essential and prudent to protect our welfare system. Every other member state has done so and the Minister should be congratulated on introducing the necessary changes. The introduction of the habitual residence tax will provide an essential protection and it will be applied evenly and impartially. It can only benefit the system as a whole.

I warmly welcome other measures in the legislation such as the equal treatment of men and women in terms of pensions. Ireland is complying with its obligations under EU law. A great deal of work has been done in terms of equality throughout society, particularly in the area of employment. When the Taoiseach was Minister for Labour, he departed completely from previous policy and there was a fight to achieve equal benefits and pay for women. That was not long ago and we have not come that far since but it is great that when the State is in a position to address equality issues for all, it takes them on.

I refer to the provisions to combat discrimination on race or other grounds with particular reference to the Traveller community.

This touches on very vulnerable sections of society. It proves the Government's commitment to social inclusion and the welfare of the most vulnerable in society. The increases in child benefit have gone a long way towards creating a level playing pitch, particularly in vulnerable areas. For many years whole sections of the community in the north inner city were devastated by the effects of drugs, unemployment and lack of education. Anyone passing through areas such as Sheriff Street and the north quays will see the dramatic improvements. If one were to suggest less than ten years ago that a third level institute would be located within walking distance of one of the most deprived communities in the country, one would have been laughed at, but that is now a reality with the National College of Ireland located there. Dramatic changes in housing conditions and educational and employment opportunities have meant that from a base where generations of local families had not been in a position to gain employment, their children now are aspiring to work in major banks in the Financial Services Centre. The welfare system played a huge part in those communities.

Some commentators on child poverty and child care use statistics to back up positions for their own benefit, be it political or financial, which annoyed people in these areas. Child benefit is equitable and fair and the consistent increases in the past number of years has been proven in those areas where it is most needed. I congratulate the Minister on bringing child benefit so far and I urge her to continue this good work.

Following the payment of a death grant, payments of all benefits and allowance will be extended for a further six week period. After a death, people are at a vulnerable stage and are under severe pressure. Extending all payments for a further six weeks is indicative of the way the Government looks at people's lives and takes account of what every family will experience at some stage. The maternity benefit changes are welcome, in particular in the case of adoptive parents. For many years adoptive parents were ignored and were not granted the same benefits as other parents.

Senator Norris raised the issue of same sex couples. We have to be progressive and consider the issue because the vast majority of countries in Europe have dealt with it. I think that slowly but surely it will be examined.

The equal opportunities child care scheme, which is under the auspices of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has made a serious impact on the provision of affordable child care in areas where the only option for young people with young families was to have the grandparents look after the children, but now, because of this and other schemes, people can afford to have their children looked after in good quality affordable child care centres. All the grants and benefits ensure that the playing pitch has been made more level and people are able to avail of the benefits due to them because it is easier to apply for them.

I congratulate the Minister on her swift response to the current postal strike and the measure she has put in place for people to collect his or her benefits. This is a sign of the Department's proactive role.