Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am seeking clarity from the Leader and probably from the Seanad leader of Fianna Fáil as well in respect of the budget, in particular, social welfare payments. There seems to be some mystery over exactly when the payment will be made. We hear it will be in March. I am reminded of the old saying that we have yet to hear which March. Is it to be paid in the first week in March or the last week? If it is to be paid in the last week of March, it is an additional saving to the Exchequer of €28 million. It costs €7 million per week. This is the first time I have ever seen a budget presented to the Dáil without any real clarity on when social welfare payments are to be made.

The Taoiseach and the Minister for Social Protection have been challenged on this in the media and they have failed to answer. Fianna Fáil is constantly claiming that it has negotiated all the increases and payments. Perhaps the Fianna Fáil representatives will now tell us, through the Leader, exactly when this payment is to be made. We cannot make head nor tail of the budget. We need to know how much it is going to cost.

I thank the Leader for his response after I raised the issue of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015. I was heartened at the way the Leader responded. He said he would ask the Minister to come to the House. I am keen to assist the Leader. Ministers have no choice. Under section 14 of the Act they are required to come to the House in December. When the Leader is informing Ministers that they must attend the Seanad to give an account of themselves and their Departments in respect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will he ask them to afford the House the courtesy to furnish their statements at least two weeks before they attend to allow for proper engagement?

Climate change is the biggest challenge facing this country and indeed the world. Two weeks ago and last week we heard about the impact it has on farming communities. We are facing into a rough winter with possibly more people's homes being flooded. We need proper engagement in this House. As a matter of courtesy to the House, Ministers should furnish us with their statements such that we can properly engage with Ministers.

I pay credit to the former Minister of State, Senator Paudie Coffey, who is sitting beside the Leader and who was involved in drafting the Bill. There is a strong role for the House to hold Ministers to account in respect of their actions on greenhouse gas emissions. I look forward to the Ministers attending the House in December. As a matter of courtesy to the House they should publish their statements at least two weeks in advance to allow for proper engagement.