Kate Walsh (Progressive Democrats)

I also add my voice to the welcome. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Second Stage debate on the Social Welfare Bill.

As we all know, money is not everything but for some families, particularly at this time of the year, it can dominate their thoughts and wishes. That is a great source of worry for me. In last week's budget, we received details of a €1.12 billion social welfare package. This is a tremendous amount of money and the Government must be commended for holding firm to its commitment to help the most vulnerable. It has long been argued by the Progressive Democrats that we do not want economic progress for its own sake. We want to use the fruits of progress to help those in need and in trouble and we are working in Government to do just that. It is hard to believe that social welfare expenditure in 2006 is expected to be more than €13.5 billion. That is double what was spent in 2002 and is proof that our policies are working and are correct.

The Bill before us is the first of two legislative instruments needed to implement the impressive social welfare package to which I referred earlier. Sections 2 and 3 are of particular interest to me as they deal with support for pensioners. Along with the Schedule to the Bill, these sections provide for increases in the rates of social welfare payments, including the €14 per week increase for those in receipt of old age contributory pensions, increases for recipients of widow's or widower's contributory pensions, deserted wives' benefits for those aged over 66 and retirement and invalidity pensions for those aged 65 and over. These pension increases will bring weekly payments to €193.30 and I commend the Government for these developments.

Much debate on carers followed the publication of the budget. The Bill reflects the determination of the Government, and the Tánaiste in particular, to support carers. The legislation provides for a special increase of €30.20 per week for those in receipt of the carer's allowance aged 66 or over, while an increase of €26.40 is provided for those under 66. I welcome this section and commend the Bill to this House.