Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I apologise in advance because I have to go to a committee meeting. Sinn Féin will not be opposing this Bill. In advocating for a robust social protection system, it is imperative to establish a commission similar to the Low Pay Commission. A social protection and income adequacy commission would recommend precise increases in social protection based on metrics like the minimum essential standard of living. This approach would aim to eliminate speculation and budget discussions and ensure a more informed decision-making process.

While there may be disagreement on budget priorities, Sinn Féin will not be opposing the social welfare Bill. What we will focus on is the timely delivery of increased payments to workers, individuals and families. In our alternative budget we allocated €1.7 billion to increase payments for pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and others who depend on social welfare for a wide range of reasons. This is significantly above what the Government is proposing in its budget of €1.1 billion, which is almost €500 million less. This also has to be taken in the context of the cost-of-living crisis. Some of the people who expected more will feel the Government should have acted more decisively, particularly with regard to people with disabilities and carers. They deserve much better.

People with disabilities, as we know, are at much higher risk of poverty but there was no recognition in the budget of the increased cost of disability. This is despite the fact that, for some time, the organisations at the coalface dealing with people with disabilities have identified the need for such a payment. In this context, Sinn Féin proposed a €20 weekly increase for those on disability payments instead of the €12 increase in the core rate. There was no increase either in the carer's support grant, which is very much needed.

The rising cost of raising children in Ireland, especially childcare expenses, requires more substantial support in social protection. While there are of course positive aspects, such as the extension of child benefit to those in full-time education, gaps still remain for some families.Child benefit rates have remained unchanged since 2016. They are below 2008 levels. That needs to be reconsidered in light of inflation. In addition, the extension of free school meals is, of course, welcome. I acknowledge its importance in ensuring children’s full engagement in education.

The focus on changes to pensions influenced by the pensions commission’s report raises concerns. In the face of a cost-of-living crisis, there is a call to prioritise increasing the rate of PRSI paid by employers rather than burdening employees. The right to retire at 65 should still be a core part of the response, considering the impact on individuals who have contributed significantly over the years. There is a need to re-evaluate the proposal to increase the pension age to 67 and 68, emphasising the importance of restoring the right to retire on a State pension at 65.

While the consideration of carers’ contributions and child maintenance legislation are welcome, concerns have been raised by those affected by the adequacy of a five-year review cycle for actuarial inputs.

While supporting the legislation, there is a call for the Government to address gaps and consider certain proposals, particularly in the areas I highlighted, such as disability support, child benefit and the retirement age. Sinn Féin believes the focus should be on a more equitable and sustainable social protection system.