Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I support what Senator Norris said about the need for recognition of children of civil partnerships. This is an issue I, Senator Norris and a number of others made at various times during the Civil Partnership Bill debate. I am aware it is not directly concerned with this issue, but I want to mention it.

I am hugely impressed by the detailed knowledge Senator Moloney has of social welfare schemes and entitlements. She has brought a great deal of knowledge and expertise to bear on this debate and I could not possibly come near that.

It is very hard to sit and listen to Fianna Fáil Members attacking the Minister, Deputy Burton, for what has been an incredible achievement in protecting the social protection budget and in reducing the level of cuts that has been applied to far less than the level applied by the Fianna Fáil Government in its last budget last year. We should also remember the budget in which the Christmas bonus was abolished. It is very difficult to listen to Fianna Fáil talk about cuts and attack this Government.