Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also wish to support the amendment proposed by Senator Darragh O'Brien calling on the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, to come before the House. This issue has been raised from the time it was first introduced as a budget measure, and I raised it again earlier this week. Despite comments from the Government side, the simple fact is that this week alone, 25,000 lone parents will be deprived of €60. As for the suggestion that this measure will encourage more people to go back into the workforce, I agree with that philosophy and agree entirely that this should be its purpose. However, what happens when there is no work or employment available? The unemployment rate remains stubbornly high in spite of all the Government's initiatives. It needs no reminders from me about the challenge it faces, and the rate still remains high. While I welcome all job announcements - and even this morning 75 new jobs were announced nationwide - the simple facts are that the unemployment rate, particularly in respect of long-term unemployment, has not been reduced to any great extent.

In addition, there has been a great deal of comment and speculation in the media about comments that have been made on this side of the House in respect of debates that have taken place during the week. While I am deeply uncomfortable with contributions that have been made by colleagues on this side of the House, at the same time it must be remembered - and those in the media should remember - that the Fianna Fáil party took a decision that there would be a free vote on that issue. Therefore, it is entirely a matter for the individual Members as to what conclusion they arrive at. This is not a collective party decision and I believe the party leader, Deputy Martin, took a courageous decision in allowing the parliamentary party a free vote in this regard. I believe he will be strengthened as a result of it, rather than diminished in any way.