Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Cullinane. I do not want to portray the Senators as a family at war before they even reach an agreement.

I represent a working-class area. I accept the majority want to work and contribute to society. I outlined the amendments the Tánaiste made where a lone parent whose youngest child is aged under 14 years is required to take up employment to receive income support from the Department.

There are a number of areas within social welfare that cause poverty traps and intergenerational poverty. For example, the housing assistance payment, HAP, is starting to prove to be very successful in allowing tenants to continue to get assistance with their rent when they return to employment whereas under the old rent scheme, if one took up employment, one lost the rent allowance completely. There have been some very positive changes. I outlined the back-to-work family dividend.

I hear what Senator Cullinane says. His amendment has been ruled out of order. However, this will be seen as quite a progressive step in future years because it will break down that intergenerational unemployment. It will result in a role model within the family who is going out to work. I accept the majority want to go out to work and it is about ensuring the supports are there for them.