Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her clarification. A saving of €36 million is a significant sum. It is difficult for any Minister in a pressing economic environment to find such a saving. One of the arguments that can be made in support of this measure is the introduction of free GP care for under fives, which should be of assistance to the mothers financially disadvantaged to the tune of €36 million. I am sure much thought has gone into this proposal and that the Minister is in some instances having to rob Peter to pay Paul and vice versa. Her choices are difficult. I do not envy her the task.

The Minister referred earlier to various reports and recommendations and comparisons with Europe. I agree with her that we sometimes flail ourself a little too strongly. We hear much about the Swedish, Finnish and other models, in respect of which everything is supposed to be perfect. The same is said about the Canadian, Australian and Dutch health insurance models. They are all marvellous until one examines them in detail and finds the starting point should be elsewhere.

I appreciate the reason the Minister must introduce these measures. It is hoped that over the next 12 months she will have an opportunity to engage in a more in-depth reform of the system. While many reports on the issue have been published, it is difficult to pick and choose. It must be within the Minister's capacity to secure enormous savings within her Department from an administrative perspective. I accept we will have further opportunity to speak more generally on the forthcoming social welfare Bill. We must look at how real savings in administration can be made, perhaps by way of reduction in some of the schemes via means testing and so on. I look forward to participating in that process.

I thank the Minister for defending what I know she and I always find difficult enough to defend. If times were better, we would be complaining that not enough of an increase was being given. None of us can be happy with measures which cost women, families and children. However, we must be realistic in terms of the times in which we live. If I were to propose that the Minister not introduce this measure she would be entitled to ask me from where would she get the saving required. Perhaps at some stage she will reflect on the suggestion made in the Dáil by Deputy Denis Naughten, namely, that approximately €100 million could be saved if we moved to a system of payment of child benefit based on school attendance, with obvious adjustments in respect of children who, owing to illness or otherwise, are not in a position to attend school. As I understand it, that such a scheme would save €100 million appears to stand up. No child in this country would be disadvantaged. Child benefit would not be paid in respect of children who do not attend school in this country. We will have to start considering proposals which could result in savings and no child being disadvantaged. I do not expect the Minister to respond now to that issue. It is perhaps one for ongoing dialogue.