Speech to Dáil Éireann by Joe Costello TD on Social Welfare Bill

4 November 2015

by Cllr Joe Costello

Speech to Dáil Éireann by Joe Costello TD on Social Welfare Bill

I welcome this opportunity to speak on the Social Welfare Bill.

Due to the careful management of the economy over the past four years, Ireland is now on the road to a fair recovery. In this year’s Budget, we are working to continue to restore living standards for all Irish families, older people, children and low- and middle-income workers.

Our economy is the fastest growing in the European Union, and we are creating 1,100 jobs weekly – 130,000 in the last three years. Unemployment is now at its lowest level in almost seven years.

This Budget is possible due to the sacrifices made by the Irish people in recent years, it seeks to create a balanced recovery and more equal society after the depressing years of boom, bust, debt, unemployment and emigration caused by the previous Government.

In particular, this Social Welfare Bill will increase the pensions paid to our older people, the rate of Child Benefit, the Respite Care Grant and Family Income Supplement. In addition to the measures outlined in this Bill, there are increases to the rate of Fuel Allowance, enhancements to Jobseeker’s Transition and increases in top-up payments for schemes such as Community Employment and Tus.

I particularly welcome the 75% restoration of the Christmas Bonus. I know how important this payment is for many people at what can be a very expensive time of year.

The Social Impact Assessment of the welfare and income measures in the Budget published today shows that there are higher than average gains for the bottom two quintiles, while the smallest percentage gain is for the top quintile. The Social Impact Assessment has shown that households with children will benefit the most from the budget, particularly working lone parents.

In fact, the ESRI has shown that, in contrast with most other crisis countries, inequality has been reduced in Ireland. This was achieved due to the policy choices the Government has made, such as the protection of core social welfare rates.

While the improvements achieved in the Budget and this Social Welfare Bill are welcome, we have much more work to do. Reducing inequality and reducing poverty can only be achieved through the sound management of the economy. We must ensure that the advances that have been made are not squandered.

I commend the Bill to the House.