Seanad debates

Tuesday, 27 March 2007

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2007: Second Stage

 

8:00 pm

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

This Bill builds further on the development of social inclusion measures adopted by the Government over recent years. It safeguards the living standards of those who rely on social welfare income and other supports and prioritises the allocation of resources in favour of those most in need. Resources will continue to be targeted at helping those most in need in order not alone to raise their standard of living but to ensure that everyone is a valued citizen who can make his or her own individual contribution to society regardless of his or her particular personal circumstances. However, while the significant social issues we face can be eased, they cannot be solved by welfare and support payments alone. It is vitally important that we do not view welfare solely as a panacea. That is why a one size fits all welfare system does not provide the answers. Welfare support systems must be tailored to the specific needs of individuals and should be seen as stepping stones to achieving a better quality of life.

The Bill is also about solid and fundamental structural reforms of welfare policies. It is about reforms that will modernise and make the welfare system fairer and deliver more enlightened social policy. I commend the Bill to the House and look forward to a constructive debate.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.