Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 4, before section 3, to insert the following new section:

"3.—The Minister shall give consideration to reversing the cuts imposed on those in receipt of widows/widowers pension and those in receipt of one parent family payments.".

This issue was debated at length on Second Stage. Several Members on the benches opposite spoke in support of the principle which informs this amendment. It addresses the disgraceful cuts which have been meted out to widows, widowers and single parents. The matter was discussed in the Dáil last night and has been debated by the public over the airwaves for the last number of weeks.

The cut involves a paltry €5.8 million yet it will cause hardship to widows. This has been confirmed by the widow's association, members of which the Minister for Social and Family Affairs met last night. I call on the Minister to consider rescinding the decision to make these cuts and returning to the status quo to allow widows to claim half benefit. I also call also on Members opposite to support the amendment as their remarks on Second Stage were in a similar vein to its thrust, or will they act in their usual manner by speaking for something only to vote against it? It is the typical Fianna Fáil method.