Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ó Ríordáin made reference to the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, in his presentation. Neither of the Fine Gael leadership candidates are spending public money on their campaigns. Senator Ó Ríordáin's remarks are mischievous, misleading and should certainly be clarified because the Minister is not expending any public moneys on any campaign. Social welfare fraud is a different issue. All of us recognise that we need to address all issues in this area, whether they relate to white collar crime, social welfare fraud or whatever. We commend the Revenue Commissioners when they publish a list of tax defaulters and pursue them. Equally, those who abuse the State's social welfare programmes should not be allowed to get away with it. I do not know whether the Senator disagrees. I am not seeking his endorsement, but that is a fact of life.

I was not quite sure what Senator Devine was seeking, to be honest. I am not being disingenuous, mischievous or trying to provoke her politically but I did not know what she was looking for in her contribution. If she wishes to tell me afterwards I will endeavour to talk to her.