Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Minister on the Bill. Senator Terry referred to the qualified adult allowance for those over 66 years of age and under 66 years of age. This payment is a right and there is no pressure on people to be dependants. The increase in pensions, with the contributory State pension rising to €209.30, is welcome. Increasing the qualified child allowance to a standard rate of €22 per week is welcome. I am pleased the Minister took an initiative on the carer's allowance. There should be no means test for carers but the Minister has made improvements. One can now receive a half-rate carer's allowance and a full social welfare payment. Such payments recognise carers' duties and it is now accepted that one can receive two welfare payments. The Minister has recognised the case we made for this measure. The number of payments made available through the Department amazes me. Almost all have been increased.

The fuel allowance has doubled in two years to €18 per week. The accommodation of older people is not within the remit of the Department but it should be. I attended a meeting with Senator Cox and officials from the HSE about the delay in repairing houses, installing windows and doors and insulating them so that people's accommodation is warm. Many of us may wish to improve our houses but young people are not in a rush to do so. For those over 70 years of age it is important to make improvements quickly. In Galway applications in respect of 2005 are now being processed and applications in respect of 2006 will not be processed until next year. Increasing the fuel allowance and improving heating cannot be done without repairing houses. I hope the Government examines this matter and improves the service.

I have often raised the matter of pensions for missionaries and those who work abroad and do not receive a pension at the end of their careers. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs is meeting with officials from the Department of Social and Family Affairs next week. I hope we make progress. Retiring missionaries are entitled to know what will happen at the end of their careers. A contributory pension is the best way to address this. If this is not possible perhaps the Irish Aid programme, which has been greatly increased, could be considered as a means of resolving this issue.

The Minister should examine the case of those who do not have sufficient contributions to receive the State pension. Previous Governments introduced a scheme whereby the self-employed, including farmers, could pay into a scheme over ten years. Those who did not qualify could receive a pro rata pension but some people do not have the required five years' contributions. Many lobby groups seek a pro rata pension and I urge the Minister to examine this issue.

The widow's, widower's and orphan's schemes are compulsory now but some people did not opt for them years ago. Progress is needed on this matter. Marvellous schemes exist to allow one to transfer one's pension entitlements from one country to another. Various protocols and treaties have been signed to make this available between Ireland, the United States and Australia. It is hard to believe that those on invalidity and disability schemes must travel to Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom for medical examinations. These examinations should be undertaken in Ireland and, if not in the Republic, in Belfast or somewhere on the island of Ireland. This would be more practical.

I welcome the increase from €20 to €30 in respect of the means test disregard. The €100 disregard for part-time employment should be extended to all employment. We should not distinguish between those in receipt of a social welfare payment and those in part-time employment. The Bill contains many initiatives and the budget is excellent. The reaction has been most favourable.

The Minister encourages people to return to work. The disability allowance gives the Department the option of granting an allocation for light work for therapeutic reasons. This is often granted for six months and has been successful. This could be extended for a second six-month period if, according to a general practitioner, it is beneficial. The community employment scheme is one obvious means by which such work may be available to those in receipt of disability allowance.