Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their courtesy and co-operation in ensuring that the Bill was passed in good time in order that it could go to the President for signature. A good number of the amendments in the Bill will make a difference to people's lives. Social protection is here to help people and to give them that helping hand whenever they need it. It is the support mechanism that we have as a State to provide a basic income in certain circumstances. The amendments will kick on 1 January after the President has signed the Bill into law.

I again acknowledge the wonderful contribution of the staff of the Department during this very difficult year in terms of Covid. They have processed 13 million claims, which is the equivalent of seven years of claims for jobseeker's allowance in the space of almost nine months since last March. I thank them once again for the work they have done on behalf of the Department. Finally, I thank all Senators and wish them a very happy Christmas as the House will adjourn at the end of the week.