Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Brien asked a range of specific questions. In response to his first question on pyrite legislation, I agree it is welcome it is being introduced in the Seanad. I am delighted and we should all put pressure on Ministers to do this as much as possible. It is very good to have comprehensive debate here before the legislation goes to the Dáil. I am told it will be before Christmas but we do not have a specific date yet. The social welfare Bill will be in our pigeonholes tomorrow morning. The conduct of business in the Dáil is a matter for that House but the Leader, Senator Cummins, has given an undertaking the Bill will not be guillotined when it comes to this House and I am sure he will hold to it as we all wish him to.

I understand the House will begin to consider the Bill on 5 November. We will have all of next week in addition to the remainder of this week to prepare for the debate. I know it will be an honest and robust debate, but given it must be so it is important we remember the facts of the budget. We have had a huge amount of spin and hyperbole from the other side which is hard to take. To respond in a factual and objective manner, basic social welfare rates were preserved, there was no increase in income tax and, it is fair to say, for the vast majority, particularly hard-pressed families and the squeezed middle, as it is often referred to, the budget has not had an adverse financial impact and this is a fair point.