Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Social Welfare Bill and all of the cuts in it. Much was said about protecting the most vulnerable but this budget did not do that, the social welfare element of the budget attacked the most vulnerable. Whatever way we look at it, while frontline weekly payments might be protected, the individual groups that are the most vulnerable in society were clearly attacked; there is no question about that. Whether it was the community employment schemes, the disabled, young people or any of the other areas such as lone parents, mothers, families or the elderly, they were all hit. The elderly will lose at least €120 under the fuel allowance.

The Minister for Finance indicated consultations were entered into with the disability organisations on the changes proposed to the disability allowance that have since been reversed, or perceived to be reversed. To what extent did consultations take place and who took part in them? To attack young people who due to a disability cannot undertake a training course or work, often with reduced mobility and who are isolated and vulnerable, was a move too far. The pressure put on by the Opposition, and picked up on by the Fianna Fáil finance spokesman Deputy Michael McGrath, on budget day at least led to a perceived U-turn.

The other issues that change the disability criteria relate to the decision to redefine the criteria for the disabled person's allowance. Applicants must now have a 15% disability to qualify. Is that being reversed as well?