Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for those comments as well as her remarks on this important issue. I endorse her point about communication. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has a statutory responsibility. That is essential, particularly when dealing with people who are vulnerable or elderly or who have disabilities. The message must go out that the money goes to the people.These people are entitled to it as a right as far as I am concerned. The amount of fraud going on is minimum. The Senator is 100% right in respect of tax avoidance and tax evasion in this State and other countries as well. That is a huge issue. If we had a lot of that money we would be able to provide a lot more services for vulnerable people in society.