James Heffernan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

This will be a long tiring night. I have tremendous empathy for the Minister who has a difficult job. I commend her on the work she is doing. I was less than impressed with the contributions from the Dáil to which I listened last week. It was uncomfortable to listen to personal jibes that were directed at the Minister.

I have a problem with the proposed cut. Regardless of what Members have said, it is a cut. I play team hurling. Of the six forwards who were on the team at the beginning of the year, three have left, one to the US, another to Australia and the other to New Zealand. That scene is replicated in every parish in the country. Families are pining for their young men and face being apart at Christmas. This is difficult for family members, especially mothers. We seldom consider the personal impact of emigration, but it is an issue of which I am very aware because my brother is in New Zealand. He sees no way to come back. A weekly payment of €100 is not nearly enough in all fairness.

The comments of those opposite who speak of lads lazing in front of flat screen televisions shows how out of touch they are. It is easy for those who have enjoyed good wages and never had to worry about money coming in the door to accuse young people of being layabouts and good for nothing. In fairness that is not the case. As a young Member of this Chamber, it is incumbent on me to voice my opposition to this cut. Why has the Minster targeted those who are under 26 years? Why not pick those who are under 40 years, left handed with ginger hair and live west of the Shannon? It does not make sense to me.

Young people have a role to play in getting Ireland out of the economic difficulties. I believe they are effectively being told they are not wanted as there is no room for them. The people who have some financial support from family and are able to cobble the few pounds together are able to buy a plane ticket and emigrate. What are the options for those whose families are not able to give financial support? They must remain at home and live on €100 and remain in a situation that will lead them to poverty. Senator John Kelly referred to travel. The young people from my village must travel to Limerick city or Newcastle West to take up a place on a training course. The cost of taking the only bus from my area to Limerick city five days a week is €55 per week leaving the young person with €45 for the week. This must be examined. We heard about the abuse of the free travel pass by people who can afford to travel. We need to introduce a scheme for those on a jobseeker's allowance of €100 to give them access to transport that will allow them to travel to their courses.

The element of social solidarity has gone on the window. I question whether it would be better for the Department to give young people a cheque and tell them to get their aeroplane ticket and go. I urge the Minister to try to see other ways without making these cuts. I know she is in a very difficult position and her hands are tied, but I cannot agree to these cuts. I will oppose them.