Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I agree with my colleagues who want an urgent debate on the economy. Before I left Athlone this morning, I bought a takeaway coffee from a kiosk. The chap behind the counter told me that he might just last until Christmas, as his takings were down 20%. I was talking to a friend of mine who runs a small factory, and he said it was not just that the banks will not give him credit but also that they will not give it to the people who owe him money, such as the small builders, the small developers and so on. He said that there was no point in the banks giving him money if money is not being circulated. I agree with Senator Hanafin and those who spoke about the banks. We cannot allow them to put money aside so that they will not lose face. We urgently need a debate on the economy, and I call on the Leader to allow it.

I am the Fine Gael spokesperson on social and family affairs. Yesterday, a story about a family shattered the popular misconception that young, unmarried people make up the vast number of lone parents. I highlight the fact that 84% of lone parents work. That is a shocking statistic for the wider public, although I have known it for a long time. Only 2% of lone parents are in their teens, which disproves another misconception. People think lone parents are lazily sitting around waiting for their benefits, but that is not true. More than 60% of lone parents in receipt of welfare also work.

In her response to this survey, the Minister stated that it was about motivating young lone parents and getting them back into work. I do not think it is about motivation at all but about concrete support and practical issues. The Minister is moving towards compulsory welfare payments, and I am really concerned about that. She has not provided proper child care.