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

Some of the Senators are a bit miffed that they were not invited but we will not go there. He got married last Saturday I believe.

He raised very important points on jobseeker's allowance and the self-employed and said there were many people frustrated for many years. We also have to acknowledge the role of small businesses, many of which took the hit. His point about people who held shares for their pensions is often ignored. I advise people to be very cautious. We need professional advice when it comes to pension issues.

He raised Brexit and that is something every Department is worried about. He made an interesting point about the people who lost their fuel allowance worth £300 from the UK. I want to check that out and get more details on it. I will come back to him on that point.

Senator Higgins raised key issues on the pensions and equality issue. I welcome that and her concerns about the gaps in care and contribution, the re-entry credits and the full total contribution, and I very much agree with the ICTU point about the 30 years contribution. She made two important points about young people. We have to focus on them. She also raised the rights of people with disabilities and the need for more support. She mentioned the way the two concerns about the lone parents are addressed but we have to have flexibility in care and the payment issue as well. Senator Higgins welcomed the carer's allowance review and raised issues on data protection. These are all very important concerns. I will bring them back to the Minister, Deputy Doherty.

I acknowledge Senator Bacik's role in this legislation, especially in respect of section 27 being a significant step which addresses the legacy issues. That is a very important point. She commends Deputy Penrose on the pensions and carers' issue as well. I hope to address that and she can take it that I will be pushing this very strongly.

I thank all Senators for their contributions to the Second Stage debate. This Bill reflects our strong commitment to restoring and maintaining the real value of core welfare payment rates. It shows our determination to make an impact on alleviating poverty for those groups most at risk. Alongside the increase of €5 for all core weekly payment rates, the reform of the qualified child increase and increases in the weekly earnings disregard for recipients of the one-parent family payment are intended to focus particular support on families with children. I appreciate that Senators acknowledge that there are several positive measures contained in this Bill and I have responded to them and will bring their concerns to the Minister.