Marie Moloney (Labour)

Senator Thomas Byrne who has left the Chamber presented an argument on behalf of new applicants. Times were better when people applied for the benefit in the past and we must be realistic. More money was available and we were able to help such individuals. If we make a big issue about new and existing recipients, it may result in existing recipients losing their benefit. When people used to come to my office to ask why they could not receive a benefit that so and so down the road was receiving, I used to tell them that if they complained about so and so, he or she would lose the benefit if he or she was not entitled to it and the person making the complaint would still not receive it. I ask Senators not to make a big issue about current and new applicants. Times were better when people received approval for benefits in the past.