Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Yes. I was probably unable to grasp that aspect of her contribution. In this House some weeks ago, I asked the Minister for Social Protection where the Government would find the money to fund essential services ahead of the next budget and beyond it. My question was based on statements made by the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach to the effect that they would not increase income tax. We need to bear in mind that they cannot do anything about the Croke Park agreement, which means public service jobs are guaranteed. Nobody can be fired or let go until 2013, at least. We will have to borrow €20 billion this year or next year. Figures released by the Department of Social Protection earlier this week show that almost half the people of this country are receiving social welfare benefits. An achievement of the two most recent Fianna Fáil Ministers in that Department, Deputy Ó Cuív and Mary Hanafin, was buried in those statistics. The figures for 2010 show that savings of almost €500 million were made as a result of the initiatives taken by both Ministers. I wish the current Minister well in her continuing efforts to ensure there is no fraud in this area. We need to ask where the money will come from to provide essential services to everyone who is now on social welfare. The jobs initiative is stuttering. It has not achieved anything yet. We wish it well.