Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions. There is no doubt we all appreciate the difficulties people with disabilities must endure in carrying on with their lives, the contribution carers make in looking after their loved ones and the difficulties people who have lost their jobs face. It is no solace to people on social welfare to make economic arguments. However, if we had not made the necessary cuts to social welfare, public pay and services, we would not have the money we need to pay social welfare in future years. It is really about short-term pain, and I acknowledge that people will suffer a loss of approximately €8.30 per week as a result of this. It is part of an effort to get the finances of the country back in order and stabilise that position.

It is true that prices have gone back to 2007 levels but social welfare rates are €10 above 2007 levels. It is not as if people have been cut off or removed from the system. I know it is a cut but it should be seen from the perspective that the euro can go further, there is greater buying power and we gave increases of 140%, 150% or more over recent years.

With regard to specific issues, Senator McFadden said that people with a disability allowance would lose child benefit. They will not because the compensation package for child benefit will ensure such people will get the benefit and will be protected. It is very important that anybody dependent on social welfare or family income supplement would not suffer a double cut. These people will be protected. The Senator also mentioned that the people would lose the optical and dental benefits but they will not because they qualify for those under the medical card scheme. The workers get it under the treatment benefit process.