Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

The Government has failed to reach its annual fraud savings targets. In 2009 it saved only €484 million of a €616 million target. The Government's track record on fraud savings is appalling and must not continue.

I appreciate that Fianna Fáil has taken on board our "smart identity system" to help combat social welfare fraud. How many years has this taken? The system ensures that a photograph of the owner of each PPS number can be stored on a secure central database accessible by social welfare staff. This is the way forward. I cannot understand how it has taken so long to bring this into play.

I welcome the fact the Minister did not cut the pension of the 490,000 people over 66 and has protected the old. Why is this the case? Has it much to do with the fact that the Minister is afraid of the grey brigade? I welcome the fact the Minister showed some compassion in regard to the once-off €40 fuel allowance payment.

The Minister referred to serious circumstances in referring in his speech to child benefit. He said our rate of child benefit is very generous by comparison with that in other countries. In other countries, there is entirely free education and there are school dinners. There is free medical care for children. Sadly, this is not the case in Ireland. It is a bit rich to say we give very generous child benefit payments when there are school dinners and free education in other countries.

With regard to the health and income levies, I am sure a certain lady in Balbriggan who contacted me contacted the Minister also. She has calculated that, owing to the loss of her medical card, she will not be exempt from the universal social charge. Her income will be reduced by 9% or approximately €68 per week. Her husband is a PAYE worker and she is receiving social welfare and has one child. A decrease of €68 per week is huge. I would like the Minister to address this.