Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I wish the Minister well in her job. It is the second or third most important job in government, in spite of comments made at the time she was appointed, as it controls about 40% of the budget. We are supporting the broad thrust of her actions in this Bill.

At the time the minimum wage was reduced, I said in the Dáil that if it did not produce the jobs, then it should be changed. I agree with the change, because it has not produced the jobs. However, I would make the same proviso in respect of the PRSI tax breaks. We are providing a tax break from middle class people with pension funds to employers, in order to encourage employment. If that does not create employment, then I would urge the Minister to row back on it. It is a tax break for small and large businesses and let us hope it works.

I did not know that Senator Kelly was a community welfare officer. There are many rumours about what community welfare officers can award to people. The provision in this Bill allows CWOs to go into the Department of Social Protection, rather than the HSE. That has been going on for a long time.