Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no break down of the tax package in the 25 measures, many of which are illusory. The Government initiative is that discussions are taking place with the European Investment Bank to consider the feasibility of support being granted by the bank. That is beautiful bureaucratic language. How about that for a classic piece of non-action and gobbledygook?

I am greatly concerned by the measures in the budget that specifically affect the most vulnerable of older people, the house-bound and those living alone. The sickest and poorest of older people will be hardest hit. The abolition of the telephone allowance as part of the household benefits package will hit those who are most dependent on the telephone to remain in contact with neighbours and friends. It hits the house-bound, those living alone and those in remote areas who already feel so vulnerable to crime and break-ins. The telephone allowance played a huge role in keeping older people safe and in touch with friends and family. Many older people now live in fear that the alarm system linked to their telephones will be cut off. The cut to the telephone allowance will leave many older people unable to communicate with anyone. It will have a very detrimental effect, leaving many completely isolated and forced to fend for themselves.

On a good note, I compliment the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for trade and development, Deputy Joe Costello, on his newly-launched initiative to assist Irish people to volunteer in the developing world. The initiative enables a greater number of skilled Irish volunteers to work overseas. According to an article in The Irish Times two or three weeks ago the Minister of State was looking for people up to the age of 65 years. I spoke to him about this yesterday and he said absolutely not. We in this Chamber are for the abolition of mandatory retirement and the Minister of State is giving great example by saying that any age group can travel and join the voluntary service.