Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, on his first budget. It was a big day for the Minister and we all appreciate that he has done a good job. I also wish the former Minister, Deputy McCreevy, well in his new portfolio. As stated by Senator Ross, Deputy McCreevy and the Government set the tone for this budget, for which the work was carried out over many years.

I welcome the increases in social welfare, particularly child benefit. Senator O'Meara referred to child care and children dropping out of school. As I have stated, the first responsibility is on parents to ensure children go to school. No matter what problems exist, it seems to fall to the Government to try to resolve them. However, parents must take some responsibility in this regard. Child benefit is a substantial payment to parents and there should be an obligation on parents to ensure their children go to school. The payment of child benefit could perhaps be tied to children's attendance at school.