Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister to the House. The task that befell her to make a saving of €300 million in the social welfare budget in 2009 in difficult times is no mean feat. I commend her on not making a general cut in the weekly social welfare payment.

I note the concerted effort that will be made to deal with social welfare fraud. There are cuts in the Bill that are unavoidable but social welfare fraud is the most serious issue that must be tackled in terms of finding areas in which savings can be made. The Minister must be very strong on that issue. I accept that she is being strong. I note there are people who may be doing nixers who were employed originally by people still doing the same work but on a day on, day off basis. That must be examined.

Issues arise also concerning people spending abroad and social welfare payments being made into banks. Now that we have additional people on the boards of the six Irish banks there might be some form of liaison in the area of social welfare fraud to track payments.

Regarding house visits by inspectors, more staff are needed in the Minister's Department in this time of need. Some Departments do not need some of the staff they have but I accept that the Department of Social and Family Affairs needs more house inspectors.

I believe the public would welcome a crackdown on social welfare fraud because it is one of the main questions that arises on the doorsteps in the lead up to the local elections. There is no denying it is an area where savings can be made, and I welcome that. The Minister has said that if the crackdown on social welfare fraud is successful she will, if possible, bring in some form of Christmas bonus. No one can deny the Minister's bona fides in this area, which is welcome. If we can make savings in this area the people who deserve a Christmas bonus can have one.

There has been a mixed response to the Christmas bonus issue on the doorsteps. Some people say it was better to lose the bonus rather than have a cut in their weekly rate because they can now plan. Also, toys in shops are much cheaper now than they will be at Christmas.