Martin Brady (Fianna Fail)

As Senator Quinn said, it is very difficult to explain to a household where all the members are unemployed why the banks are getting big handouts, given the thievery they were involved in. The public in general believe very little heed is being paid to them by those in authority. We saw the recent skirmish on the bank bonuses but that is minute in comparison to the overall situation.

We must get the social welfare structures right and ensure the taxpayer is getting value for money. While people are entitled to go on holiday, I know some who go on three or four holidays a year, something I could not do. When I was in a chemist's shop recently, I met three ladies who told me they go to Spain nearly every month with no problem, and all on social welfare. I said that was great but-----