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

I thank Senators Ardagh, Devine, Feighan, Higgins and Bacik for their contributions and progressive ideas on the Bill. I am glad Senator Ardagh recognised that there are Independents in government. The Senators' points on the detail of the revised methods and their strong point about the recovery and those sections of society that are not feeling included and child poverty are issues we have to take very seriously and be cognisant of in social welfare payments, which are an interim measure. We have to tackle child poverty, homelessness and educational disadvantage. They are all part of the strategy.

Senator Devine raised very important issues and I take her point on the payments in March but I suspect that is often done from an economic and financial point of view. Stakeholders have to be consulted. She also raised a very important point that I come across in my portfolio about carers and isolation. That is something we must take on board. All the Senator's concerns will be raised in respect of the broader issues.

I congratulate my colleague, Senator Feighan, on his recent marriage and wish him the best of luck.