Seanad debates

Friday, 15 December 2006

Social Welfare Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

12:00 pm

Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

I pay tribute to the Minister, his Cabinet colleagues and the departmental officials who worked on the preparation of the Bill. It is indicative of the successful nature of this legislation that we moved through all stages of the Bill with the complete agreement of the House.

Although the social welfare package is worth in excess of €1.4 billion, in many ways it did not receive the attention it deserved. Far reaching reforms have been made in tackling child poverty. The Minister referred to this issue yesterday. A two-tier system of child benefit has been introduced without giving rise to an outcry about it being unequal. That is a significant achievement in itself.

I also welcome the reform in the area of women and pensions, in that women are now recognised in their own right. Increases in the old age pension will make a great difference to people's lives. Welcome change has also been made to maternity benefit and maternity leave. It was like manna from heaven when the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, announced in the 2006 budget that maternity leave would be increased by four weeks paid this year and another four weeks paid next year. These are the types of reforms and changes that make a difference to people's daily lives.

When the Minister, Deputy Brennan, was appointed Minister for Social and Family Affairs he said he wanted to make changes; he did not want just to throw money at people. He has succeeded in his objective. I congratulate him on that. Social welfare expenditure accounts for €1 in every €3 of Government spending. While the increased spending is welcome, of most importance is the reform of the system. I recall the case of a young woman who could not receive a carer's allowance because she was in receipt of a widow's pension. I welcome the historic change that will address that anomaly.

I commend the Bill to the House. I am delighted to have been involved in the debate on it. On behalf of Members on the Government side of the House I wish the Minister and his officials a very happy Christmas. I thank the officials for their courtesy and assistance at all times.

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