Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I thank the Minister for his illustrative examples of the social welfare packages that families could receive. I welcome these measures, as directing such child-centred payments towards the families in question is impressive. While I do not wish to detract from the importance of the figures, is there a concern in the Department of Social and Family Affairs that some of the money might not reach its targets? Unfortunately, some parents might not think like the rest of us or believe the money should be spent on their children, which highlights Senator Terry's amendment. If there is a concern, are there realistic ways of avoiding that situation? It may be impossible but is there a school of thought on how to ensure that children receive the benefit of the payments, which are not intended to improve the social lives of parents or provide luxuries? It would be good if we could ensure that the benefit of the money reaches its targets.

Senator Jim Walsh is correct in that investment in education is a large weapon with which to beat poverty. As he stated, we are not only speaking about monetary poverty, but poverty of ambition, which affects other aspects of the lives of the people involved. Does the Department have concerns about parents drinking away the money or spending it in a flaithiúlach manner instead of spending it to alleviate child poverty?