Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

The Minister referred to the enhancement of budgets and so on. I will outline a simple scenario created by her Department and the Department of Health and Children. Public servants will have their pay cut in addition to being subject to a recruitment freeze, which will have a knock on effect on the provision of services by these Departments. A carer, a person with a disability or someone in need of respite care, physiotherapy and so on will suffer a reduction in service. It is wrong and disingenuous to suggest otherwise. The bottom line is services will not be enhanced by these cutbacks.

The Minister is also incorrect that the Carers Association is happy with only a cut in the carer's allowance. I met carers who were unhappy last weekend and during my Second Stage contribution, I read into the record e-mails I received from carers. The Government has taken a minimum of €8 a week off people who are saving the State a fortune. It is about time this was put in perspective. We are dealing with people and human tragedy will be caused by this budget. There is collective responsibility around the Cabinet table. The Minister referred on Second Stage and on Committee Stage to protecting the vulnerable. She can push all the spin she wants. For example, she issued a document following the budget in which she boasted about the amount she has spent in the Department.

The Government is cutting payments to the poor, the disabled and the most vulnerable in our society. In 1987 the slogan was cuts hurt the old, the poor and the handicapped. That has not changed in 2009 and, with all due respect to the Minister, she can give us spin and huff and puff but the Government is taking money. Would any of us live on €196 a week? That is the amount people will be forced to live on as a consequence of this Bill. I am sorry Senator Brady is present because he is a decent guy but I appeal to every Fianna Fáil Senator to have the moral courage and moral fibre to go through the lobby and vote "Níl". The Minister has many spin doctors but people in her constituency and mine are under pressure. Tá siad faoi bhrú. It is fine for me to take a pay cut but a social welfare recipient needs assistance from the State. This is about social assistance. I agree with the Minister's comments on getting people out of poverty and eliminating people's dependence on social welfare but this Bill will increase poverty. Her explanation drives another wedge through our society.