Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the announcement of a new primary care centre for my constituency. More was announced in the Seanad today than was announced by the Government in its press conference. One would be looking to host a Formula 1 championship race in Galway because one will be able race from Tuam to the far side of Galway city given all the motorways to be built in County Galway. Best of luck to the Senators and Deputies from Galway who have done well.

I wish to raise an important issue. We need to have an urgent debate on social welfare. Last night the Minister for Social Protection announced cuts of up to 20% for existing claimants of jobseeker's benefit who are part-time workers. This will hit people really hard next week and it is important the Seanad shows its relevance to people by having a debate with the Minister about these cuts, in particular when the Government promised no cuts to social welfare payments. The Labour Party and Fine Gael can ignore this but this is the practical reality for people.

In September, the Minister plans another major cut to new applicants for the old age pension who do not have full credits. They are nearly all women who had to leave the workforce to work at home and rear their children. They will be hit hard while the Seanad is in recess. The Seanad must have a debate on the issue and stand up for part-time workers who will face serious cuts next week and for the mothers of Ireland who left the workforce to work even harder in the home. Shame on the Government and on this House if we do not discuss them.