Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, back to the House. As already indicated on Second Stage and Committee Stage, Fianna Fáil is supporting the Bill. However, that does not mask our deep concern - I am sure this is shared by the Minister of State and others in Government - to the effect that there is a great deal of economic disadvantage among the more vulnerable in society. I hope that the message which will emanate from this debate will be that the increase of €5 per month in child benefit is a welcome but modest step which perhaps heralds a new thinking on the part of the Government as we enter 2015. I also hope that when the time comes to frame next year's budget, recognition will be given to those sectors in society that have unquestionably suffered as a result of €1.6 billion in cuts to the social welfare budget. I am grateful to the Minister of State for correcting me in respect of the figure I provided in this regard on Committee Stage.
The perception - I would argue that it is also the reality, although the Minister of Stage probably differs with me in this regard - is that the most vulnerable have been hit hardest by the cuts that have been introduced and that those with more money and greater disposable income have managed to get off lightly. It is said that perception is all in politics. The Minister of State and I could argue back and forth about the merits or otherwise of budgetary policy and he would point out the positives from the Government's perspective. I am not attacking the Government, per se, I am actually seeking to reflect a concern for the body politic in this country. If people believe that there is no longer any hope for our democratic institutions and if that perception is fuelled by a certain section of the political class which emerged in recent years and which - as I noted during the debate on Private Members' business - has no respect whatsoever for the institutions of the State and is only interested in toppling them, then we must remember that democracy is a very fragile flower and we all have a responsibility to ensure it is nurtured and protected. I think it was Churchill who famously observed that democracy is a flawed concept but it is the best one we have.
The Minister will understand the point I am trying to get across. I am sure there will be an acknowledgment that if the economy is turning around - I hope it is - and if surplus funds are available, then it is time for such funds to be allocated, in a selective way, where they are needed. I would be the last person to argue that we should just throw money at social problems. Doing so is not always the answer. Creating proper structures and providing support for NGOs and individuals is the responsibility of Government. The Government must also ensure that it manages the money the people contribute through taxation in a prudent and efficient manner. I hope I do not sound as if I am lecturing people because that is not my intention.