Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Given that I seconded the motion proposed yesterday by Senator Fiach Mac Conghail regarding the budgetary changes to the disability allowance, I welcome the Government's decision since then to suspend those changes. It is not clear what the ultimate outcome of this deferral will be. It does not yet constitute a U-turn, but I hope that is what will happen. I hope the proposed debate on the abolition of the Seanad does not take place after its abolition, in the same way that the debate on the budget is happening after the budget.

The urgency that was brought to the issue of the disability allowance and the behind-the-scenes machinations which led to a Government change of heart should also be brought to bear on the issue of the lone parent's allowance. Many single parents have been in contact with me to express their concerns and the relevant organisations are up in arms about the decisions made. As such, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business - it is not a facetious proposal - that the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, come to the House today for a debate on the matter, even if it is only for an hour and with limited speaking time for representatives of each grouping. There should be an opportunity to discuss the implications of the proposed budgetary changes before the Social Welfare Bill is brought to the House, with a view to reviewing some of them.