Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister and his staff for their considerable work on this worthwhile Bill. The payments under the Bill should improve the position of many and keep people out of poverty. That is the indicator we need to monitor to ensure we are doing what we are supposed to do in terms of helping many of our elderly people and those who are unemployed.

I thank the Minister for the work he has done, congratulate him on the work he has put into this Department since he took office and look forward to his further work in his area in next year's budget. I wish each and every one here and my colleagues a very happy Christmas and a well deserved rest.