David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment on the term "unearned". I have no time for extremely wealthy people such as billionaires who have funds of various kinds, but I do for somebody who is a landlord or has a small apartment to let. Senator Power said exactly the same and made the very good point that this is work and is not "unearned" income. How can it be "unearned"? A service is provided to the community and the property is maintained. One must ensure the electric lights, plumbing, sewerage, locks, burglar alarms and all of the rest are in working order. I do not think that is "unearned" income.

We must also take into account the fact that some people were prudent, saved and denied themselves all kinds of exotic pleasures such as foreign holidays and all of the rest. If they have €240,000 in a bank or somewhere, more power to them because they earned and saved the money. They paid tax on it and, therefore, have already paid tax.

I am very grateful to the Minister for displaying her usual courtesy by replying in considerable detail and clarity. She has been very helpful.

I wish to comment on individual employers such as people who have a small start-up business and employ people. Perhaps they will get a jobseeker's allowance but it is a very dicey business these days. I have a letter that will be relevant later on about a man who lost his job, has various entitlements but was told that they would all be stripped from him if he went into further education. There are all kinds of little traps here and there. Somebody who creates a small business employs other people and pays their PRSI, so an employer contributes in that sense. Without that employer those jobs and PRSI income would not exist. Those employers are entitled to more than just the odd ad misericordiam jump at a jobseeker's allowance. Sometimes the jobs they are told to seek are completely and utterly inappropriate. Those are the points that I wish to raise with the Minister.