Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

We are used to hearing the same old rhetoric from Sinn Féin as its Members overrun on time as usual.

The Minister is welcome to the Chamber. Reform of the social welfare system is of paramount importance. In the Minister's first Social Welfare Bill she has set about reforming the system, removing discrepancies and acting in a fair manner at all times. The decisions taken in the budget were signed off on by the Government and, despite what one reads in the newspapers, the Government parties, Fine Gael and the Labour Party, are at one in pursuing the objectives of the budget. Members have differences as to how we can reach the targets set, but the Government makes decisions in the interests of the country, unlike the previous Government. It is not easy to shave €475 million off the social welfare budget, but, as the Minister pointed out, €20.5 billion is provided for the Department of Social Protection. The change to the universal social charge will affect over 300,000 on low incomes. Senator David Cullinane believes this is insignificant, but others will benefit as a result of the change and will welcome it.

As a result of the budget, all children will be treated equally when it comes to child benefit. The Minister is to be commended for retaining the standard rate at €140.

Regarding rent supplement, I support the aim of the Minister to achieve greater value for money. This was introduced as a temporary scheme initially, but it is now costing over €500 million a year.

To achieve greater value for money, the Minister correctly sought discounts from energy suppliers prior to the budget. What savings has she secured from them?

I welcome the fact that the rates of carers allowance and carers benefit will not change. I also welcome the retention of the respite grant of €1,700.

After I was made redundant a number of years ago, after the company for which I worked went into receivership, I worked as a supervisor on a community employers scheme with The Carers Association. I saw at first hand the unbelievable work done by carers in every parish. I commend the Minister on retaining the allowances for the schemes. I welcome the statement that the Government is fully committed to the protection and development of community and social employment initiatives which provide vital community services. The Minister has directed a review of CE schemes to commence immediately and stated that no scheme will close pending the outcome of the review. The Minister is a caring member of a caring Government. No Government wants to make cuts that will affect the living standards of our citizens.

I do not believe households earning more than €100,000 should receive child benefit. The Minister has an advisory group looking at the means testing of child benefit and the links between tax and the social welfare system. If we cannot means test social welfare, we should cut it completely for households that have an income of more than €100,000. The majority of fair minded people would believe that should pertain.