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

There are enormous variations across the State. The Department of Social Protection makes provision for payments to be made through the community welfare officers to assist people who are without means with the cost of burials. The Senator knows that well. I am not proposing to include these amendments in the Bill before the House because it would not be right or proper to do so. This is a social welfare Bill. We have loads of opportunities to discuss these matters. I will be quite happy to come to this House in four months' time to debate the impacts of these decisions and the options we have for the future. I would welcome an opportunity to have such a debate with the Senator in this House. I look forward to the opportunity to debate the future impacts of the decisions that have been made.

These are budgetary decisions and options. The Department of Social Protection carries out a detailed formal engagement with people in all the different areas. The changes in the social welfare Bill before the House were influenced by the forum we held with all the stakeholders in Dublin Castle. It is very much the case that the changes prioritised by those stakeholders are those set out in the Bill we are currently debating. I believe the avenues that are available to us to debate these issues are more than adequate. People are able to make pre-budget submissions. This House has ways of holding us to account. I am more than happy to come back in here in four months' time to debate the impact of the social welfare Bill. There is no need for that to be consolidated in legislation. It can be agreed by the House. I have come to this House on many occasions to debate issues. In the Dáil, the Whips can agree for time to be allowed for debate on studies as they come in. Equally, they can refuse to do so. I am not accepting this proposal because I do not believe it is proper or right to embed it within the social welfare Bill.