Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Prendergast, Ormonde, Boyle, Regan, Callely, Bacik, Coghlan, Hanafin, Buttimer, Ó Murchú, Twomey, Walsh and Bradford raised various matters pertaining to the budget, the economy and the global downturn, which Senator Ó Murchú correctly pointed out to the House.

I wish to inform the House that, following the request made of me in the past two days, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, will be in the Seanad to discuss all matters pertaining to her portfolio on Wednesday, 5 November, after the Order of Business. As Members know, we will continue the debate on the Harbours (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday and on Thursday we will discuss the Morris tribunal report. That is also in response to requests. Senator Prendergast asked me about that this morning, and many Senators on all sides of the House requested it last week. At all times the Leader is a servant of the Seanad and I do my best to have Ministers come to the House to discuss the various topics as soon as possible after the request is made of me on the Order of Business.

Listening to the matters outlined to the House, one would think there was nothing of benefit in the budget, especially in respect of matters pertaining to social welfare. As we all know, the total spend on social welfare this year is €19.6 billion, which will benefit more than 1.5 million people. That is a considerable sum and is an increase of almost €2.6 billion. Improvements in social welfare will cost €515 million in 2009. As I said in the House last week, I welcome the increase of €7 per week for all pensioners and carers aged over 66 years and €13.30 of a weekly increase for pensioner couples.

An extra €30 million has been allocated for the energy package, and I got a great response from senior citizens in my area for the increase in the fuel allowance of €2——