Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

My amendment on jobseeker's benefit was disallowed. In my Second Stage speech I referred to the Christmas bonus for jobseekers. I ask the Minister to review that entire section. It is wholly unfair that people made redundant in recent months will be unable to avail of a Christmas bonus and that their payment will run out after 12 months instead of 15 months, which was the case heretofore. These people have paid their tax and PRSI for some time. In my Second Stage contribution I referred to a lady who worked for 12 years and will now have nothing to supplement her income. I wish to address the issue of mortgages later. These people are really strapped for cash.