Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Will the Leader ask the Minister for Finance to examine the possibility of every citizen over the age of 18 years with a PPS number being required to make a tax return, even if it is a nil return? This works in other countries and would reduce the temptation to operate in the black market if people had to make a statutory declaration at the end of October every year. It would also create a system under which we could effectively means-test individuals. I have a major issue with universal measures such as universal child benefit for everyone, no matter how wealthy they are, or medical cards for children under five years, no matter how wealthy their parents are. Perhaps the Leader might arrange a debate on universal payments. All Governments are responsible for creating situations where they grant entitlements, irrespective of how wealthy an individual is. Some people are extraordinarily wealthy and do not need universal payments such as child benefit. To channel our limited resources effectively, we must move away from that type of content.

Universal health insurance, to which Senator Paul Bradford referred, is a different matter. If such a system was workable, it would be great. I do not begrudge anyone under five years of age receiving medical care. The problem is that the Minister for Health will be challenged to find the further sums required for the health budget. We had the farce last weekend where the Minister for Health was disgracefully pilloried in the media. I do not know from where the spin and the leaks are coming, but it is worrying. They are trying to handcuff the Minister and prevent him from doing his job properly. We need a serious discussion on the idea of universal payments across the Government spectrum.