Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Táim buíoch do mo chomhleacaí, an Seanadóir Ó Domhnaill, as a chuid ama a roinnt liom. In the programme for Government, the Government parties commit to protecting social welfare rates. There is nothing in the programme for Government about core or specific rates. The Tánaiste, the leader of the Labour Party, reaffirmed that commitment on the 100th day in office of this Government. That solemn commitment has been evident only in its breach.

Those affected by the highest cuts in this budget are those in receipt of the respite care grant and the back to school allowance. The latter allowance is not covered by this Bill. Why have they been targeted? Why has this not been done more fairly? Middle Ireland has been hit by child benefit cuts and the increase in PRSI. The Labour Party promised to protect child benefit when it was in opposition and during the election but in government a Labour Party Minister has offered it up with no resistance from Fine Gael. That is unfortunate and people should remember the commitments they made before and after the election.

Senators who voted across party lines to protect the Seanad are now called upon to vote across party lines to protect the most vulnerable in society and to use one of the few powers available to us, namely, to tell the Dáil and the Government to think again and make fairer cuts and honour commitments made before and after the election.