Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

We made very deliberate choices to protect pensioners, older people who have made their contribution to the State. We made a very deliberate choice to ensure children in families dependent on social welfare or those families in receipt of family income supplement would not suffer the loss of child benefit. We have supported and protected pensioners and such children. We have also incentivised young people to participate in education and training to ensure they will not join the ranks of the long-term unemployed.

This legislation should be seen as part of the overall package introduced as part of the budget, with employment opportunities in the construction industry, tourism and food production, employment stabilisation measures and a PRSI exemption for employers taking on new staff. These are all part of the overall picture. I appreciate the fact that a debate has taken place in the House and the genuinely held views on all sides. However, we should also look at some of the policies of other parties which recommended cutting social welfare. Fine Gael came forward with a proposal which I acknowledge and recognise.