Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his continuing involvement in explaining and clarifying the various issues that have arisen in this legislation. As he will be aware, two particular issues arose that have generated some controversy and outright opposition from this side of the House in respect of the family dividend and the fact we believe a financial burden will be placed unnecessarily on lone parents who are being forced back to the workforce as a result of this legislation. Let us make no mistake about it, they will find themselves in a situation where their State benefits will be cut to the extent that they will have little choice but to try to seek work. Usually that is part-time low-paid work. I have asked previously and I ask again what will happen to the child in those circumstances who will be left home? If there is nobody to care for the child, it means the lone parent will have to stay out of the workforce. I have no problem with having a pathway to work, education and upskilling, but the bottom line is that the financial realities that will be imposed on lone parents will not result in the outcome proposed by the Government.I do not see why there is a need to introduce section 3 of this Bill regarding now having an additional deciding officer for the carer's allowance. It now refers to a medical assessor who is an officer of the Minister. GPs were, and continue to be, quite capable of assessing and evaluating the legitimacy or otherwise of a claim in this regard. This seems to be just an added layer of bureaucracy that will result, ultimately, in some applicants being turned down despite the fact that their GP has approved them, which will save more money. This is not progressive legislation. It is a cost-saving exercise and it is not addressing the priorities in the area of social welfare. In the context of the spring statements today, when we are talking about the proposed new land of milk and honey that is being proposed by the Ministers, Deputies Howlin and Noonan, it is sad that the people who are most disadvantaged in society and who are relying on State benefits will find themselves out of pocket as a result of this legislation. That is a shame on the Government.