David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I could do so but I must make a number of brief points because I wish to ensure that all of the sections will be discussed.

A number of Senators referred to the difficult job the Minister is obliged to do. They are correct in that regard and everyone accepts that she has a difficult job. This matter comes down to the political and economic choices a Government is obliged to make. Unfortunately, the current Government has made the wrong choices economically and politically. Targeting people who are in receipt of social welfare payments will have the effect of driving more people into poverty, on the one hand, and impacting on the quality of life of some of the most vulnerable individuals in this State, on the other.

In a previous debate in this House I called on the Government to begin poverty-proofing policies. There is no doubt that if any objective, independent anti-poverty group in the State was to poverty-proof this Bill, it would not support it because it will drive more people into poverty. It is wrong to say the rates have not been cut and that, as Senator Mdary Moran said, the Minister could have opted for a 2% cut across the board. If we consider the impact of some of the cumulative cuts on families, whether it be child benefit, fuel allowance, rent supplement or the lone parent's allowance, the figure will amount to more than 2%.

The Minister spoke about the €475 million adjustment to the social welfare budget, but the full year cost is €811 million. There are choices. For example, in the past the Minister's party supported a third rate of tax of 48% on all incomes in excess of €100,000. That would have brought in enough money to negate the need to make the changes the Minister has introduced.