David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will make a few remarks, but once Members have said what they wish to say we should move forward because there are a number of amendments to discuss. I wonder if, behind this, there is a feeling that there are malingerers. There are some - there are always a certain amount in any situation - but I believe it is a small proportion. I have heard people say, "I have five sick days left, so I can go on holiday". We certainly must change that attitude, but I do not believe it is widespread. What has become clear from this argument is the need for a statutory sickness scheme. The Government should act on that and be as helpful as possible to small business in establishing it.

The Minister is not going to move on this. She has made as good a case as possible and has been very helpful. However, when the supplementary welfare fund is dragged out again, I wonder how elastic it is. How much is in it? I have heard it produced to refer to a number of other issues, including the burial grant. One is told people can apply for the special supplementary welfare payment. That seems to be the mattress on which the Government is relying. If this is true, there will not be much of a saving. People will just be dislodged from one area of the bureaucracy to another.

If the proposers wish to call a vote, that is fine with me.