Seanad debates

Friday, 27 April 2012

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012: Committee Stage

 

3:00 pm

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)

I was completely unaware that my good friend, Senator Cullinane had a cracked tooth. I am glad that it is only the tooth that was cracked. I would never refer to a Member's disability, as everybody knows, despite a tweet that was made, illegally, from this House. I would not do such a thing. I understand exactly the situation the Senator is in because I have attended this House after spending six hours on the dental table, getting a bone graft. I know we all feel a duty to be present in the House. If the inference was taken that I was mocking, I was being helpful, because I thought the Senator had a momentary lapse of memory and I enjoyed being able to supply the name.

To get to the meat of the matter, it is important that we get on with the discussion. I hope to be able to vote before I leave as I have an engagement that cannot be broken. The intention of this amendment is to seek to give effect to the Minister's own words. It would seem to be very difficult for the Minister to oppose it. She may give a guarantee to the House that she will produce an amendment that will have the same effect in a more clear way, if she finds there is a lack of clarity. I do not think anybody would object to that. This amendment incorporates the words the Minister used in a speech and I congratulated her on the corridor for such courage. Two days ago, the Minister made no mention of this in her speech. That is a little bit worrying. I understand the Minister may be under pressure but the danger is that if commitments are given and not lived up they begin to be perceived as a political stunt. The Minister is not a person who I would have accused of pulling a political stunt. If she looks at the impact of this measure, it means that people on one parent family payments will have to go on the jobseeker's allowance. It is paid only for days not worked. For those in receipt of a lone parent family payment, who may have part-time work, they will be hit again. They are hit again, and again. I do not believe we who are privileged are aware of the impact on low income families of the multiple cuts and the extra charges that have been imposed which disproportionately effect the lowest paid, whom we should protect.

I remember speaking in the House when the previous Government made the extraordinary decision to abolish Combat Poverty and then to attack the Equality Authority, the Human Rights Commission and so on, because I knew exactly that they were muzzling the disadvantaged. It is for Members to speak out on behalf of the disadvantaged.

I will leave it at that because I hope to be here if a vote is called in order to vote with my colleagues. I agree with all the arguments that have been made. Amendment No 1 tabled by the Independent Senators, the Taoiseach's nominee is the weakest and therefore the most acceptable to the Minister. I support every amendment and if I get the opportunity I will vote for each and every one. If the debate drags on until Monday, without getting to section 4, I will certainly commit myself to voting against section 4.

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