Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

While I welcome the Minister, I have to express grave concern about the cuts provided for in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2004. Many of the cutbacks have been mentioned by previous speakers, particularly on this side of the House. I hope I will be able to thank the Minister when she changes her mind about the proposed cutbacks in the disability and unemployment benefits paid to widows and lone parents. People on the other side of the House have told me that they agree the cuts should not be implemented. All of the cuts proposed in the Bill affect the most vulnerable people in society. We will be judged by how we look after such people, but the Minister will not be looking after them if she implements so many of these cuts.

The Government promised before the 2002 general election that it would provide for 200,000 additional medical cards. Fewer people than before have medical cards, however, because the eligibility levels have been increased. The Government has not met its promise to provide 200,000 additional medical cards.