Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister and congratulate him on what is another step forward. The Department of Social and Family Affairs has made great strides in recent years and not just in financial terms. For example, there have been major improvements in the delivery of services. It is 16 or 17 years since I worked in the then Department of Social Welfare and the changes that have occurred in the interim are phenomenal. It is not just a matter of euros and cents, we are concerned about the delivery of services and how such services impact on people's lives. The past two to three budget packages relating to social welfare show that the Minister and the Government are placing the most vulnerable people to the forefront when it comes to framing budgetary policy. There is no argument against that. We are in a fortunate position in that we possess the financial resources to be able to cater for the needs of vulnerable people. This did not happen by accident, rather through good management and prudent use of the moneys that accrue to the Exchequer.

I welcome a number of provisions in the Bill, especially those which concentrate on the alleviation of child poverty. I have come across children living in poverty on a number of occasions. Through no fault of their own, these children have no hope and see no future for themselves. On occasion, a very small amount of money can make a huge difference for particular children and their families. Again, this comes back to framing budgets and putting in place ways or means of paying people. I am aware of instances where the meals provided in schools are the only meals certain children get during the day. This year, the allocation in respect of school meals will increase by €3 million to €16 million. This is where the difference is made.

A previous speaker referred to one-parent families and I welcome the increases in this regard. Again, it is the simple measures that count. Changes are being made in respect of credited contributions for one-parent families where the recipient of the allowance takes time off to have another child. This can make all the difference to people who, for whatever reason, are trying to raise children on their own, and it gives them hope.

Senator Cox referred to the back to school and clothing and footwear allowances. Many people claim such allowances and it is not always easy for them to apply in respect of them. However, even the small amount provided by means of these allowances gives people the opportunity to cope better. The concept of a welfare system is that it should — whether through the provision of a large or small sum of money — top up people's incomes and provide them with assistance that enables them to cope better.

There is a great deal of local authority housing in my area and I welcome the changes in respect of rent supplement and the rental accommodation scheme, which will make a huge difference for many people. One of the changes to which I refer means that people may work full-time and still qualify for the rent supplement. I have come across many cases of single people in low-paid jobs. The rent supplement makes a major difference to those obliged to pay out a portion of their incomes on what, in some cases, is accommodation of a low standard, and it helps them to improve their personal circumstances. Increasing the disregard in respect of savings or capital to €5,000 will allow people to make an effort to save some money and try to improve their personal circumstances.

The Minister and the Government have worked for a number of years on the supports being introduced for retired and older people and also carers. The benefits are there for all to see. When I talk to senior citizens, regardless of whether they live in local authority or private houses, they inform me that the extra money they receive gives them independence and an opportunity to provide financial assistance to their children or whomever. I welcome the increase in contributory and non-contributory pensions to more than €200 during the lifetime of the Government.

An entitlement to a free travel companion pass can make a difference to a person's life, as can extending — to ensure elderly people's security — the telephone allowance scheme to include mobile telephones. The simple things make all the difference. This Minister is to be congratulated on moving so quickly to offset the effects of the increases in energy prices. The extra units are to be left in place although energy costs have reduced somewhat.

I always put in a plug for widows and widowers at budget time because previous Administrations have somewhat ignored that group. A person of any age can become a widow or widower. The increases in their pensions, which have kept pace with old age pensions and other social welfare payments, can make a significant difference to people's lives, especially if they are struggling to raise children.

Senator McCarthy rolled out the statistics on poverty levels and so on. There are many supports available, apart from basic social welfare payments, for example, the family income supplement and various allowances. The Department has improved in its use of technology to provide information, which is welcome because in the past people were not aware of many of the allowances and benefits to which they were entitled.

Much has changed in regard to social welfare over recent years. It is no longer confined to unemployment benefit or assistance or pensions. I see at first hand the benefits enjoyed by community groups and organisations which receive small grants from the Department that make all the difference to their work. A total of €15 billion is a large sum for this country to spend on social welfare and this did not happen by accident. I congratulate the Minister and wish him well with the Bill.