Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 5, before section 1, to insert the following new section:

"1.—The Minister for Social and Family Affairs shall, within 3 months of the commencement of this benefit to all Act, lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a report on the extension of child benefit to all children in the State.".

I welcome the Minister to the House. This amendment refers to approximately 1,600 children of asylum seekers in receipt of direct provision. I understand the legislation we passed a few years ago provided that people who come to this country seeking asylum are not entitled to social welfare benefits. I can understand the reasoning behind the legislation, which had its effect of making it less attractive for certain people to come here. On the other hand some families are living in direct provision, getting a few euro each week. I accept they get their lodgings and food. However, my concern and that of people who deal with children in poverty is that the children of these families are living in poverty. How can a parent of a family in receipt of direct provision getting approximately €10 per week buy shoes or clothes for children, or give them an occasional little treat? I am sure it is not even for treats but simply to provide them the essentials.

Some of these families will eventually be granted asylum and will continue to live here. However, I am concerned at what damage it is doing to the children in the meantime. Is there any way to cater for the small number of children involved without greatly upsetting the provisions in the legislation in order to ensure that children will not go without the necessities and that we do not deny them treats that they would need. That treat might include activities that would be of benefit to them, for example allowing them to come into town for a day or go to see a movie. People do not have the money for such matters. I believe we are discriminating against children and it may have an adverse effect. We should be able to include all children and treat them equally, particularly given that such a small group is involved.