Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

However, we have to have some sanction for the 10% who just do not turn up and when they are made turn up, they refuse training and work. It is not fair on the genuinely unemployed, who are the vast majority. There are people who never seem to be available. The supplementary welfare system and the appeals system exist for those who are really done down and in common with many Deputies and Senators, I have never seen the appeals system being less than fair. The benefit of doubt has always been given in marginal cases to the appellant and statistics from the appeals office bear this out.

I ask Senators to accept that, as a Minister, I am fairly tolerant about people but I passionately believe that there is a small coterie of people who are working and drawing and I must have leverage and sanction to deal with them. That is what this is about. It will not be unreasonable and I assure Senators of that.