Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed that our debates have been brief. The Minister for Social Protection and other Ministers who have been to the House have argued that we will require substantive debate weeks and months in advance of next year's budget. I spent many years in opposition and know the role of the Opposition is to say "No" when the Government says "Yes". If the Government brings forward difficult proposals, such as that on the carer's allowance, we need the Opposition not only to say "No" but also to highlight what it would do instead. It is much too easy simply to say "No", that cuts are bad and that one is in favour only of good measures. I would like the Opposition to have the opportunity to put on the record where it would find the money. When we all calm down a little and try to put in place structures for next year and thereafter, we will certainly need to change our budgetary structure.

I acknowledge the extremely difficult position in which the Minister finds herself. There is no point in talking history because the public is concerned about today and tomorrow, not yesterday. It is important to acknowledge that the role played by carers is of great economic and social significance. We have made progress on nursing homes and subventions but we must value carers. Every carer is not only providing care but also making a significant statement about values in this country.

Carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant have genuinely made a difference. If the Cathaloirleach checks the record, he will see that nobody in this House has spoken more about carers and the need for a new carer's strategy than me. I am not standing up at the last minute to comment because my record speaks for itself. Great changes need to be made to the system, the means test, guidelines and regulations, as I have stated previously. I appreciate why the Minister has had to take this distasteful measure, but how do we proceed? Notwithstanding what some of my colleagues have said, it is vital to put a new system in place to debate the options. Announcing the budget on a Wednesday, to be followed by the Social Welfare Bill on a Thursday, may have been sufficient in the Ireland and the political system of old, but the system is not fit for purpose in the new structure and society we are trying to build. Can we learn anything in this difficult situation? At least let us all recognise that we need a broader and more indepth debate on the choices to be made, the options available and the difficulties faced. I recognise the politics and the need to pass the Bill. However, we must stop the name calling and practise more mature, sensible and realistic politics. That is what the public demands; it is tired of Punch and Judy politics.