There is just one matter regarding unemployment assistance. The Minister has mentioned unemployment assistance and welfare benefit. How does he propose to tackle the problem of people needing more money? Mortgage relief is given to people in one area of society who would be, for instance, in local authority housing. There are some people who would have high mortgage repayments.
Social Welfare (No. 2) Bill, 1989: Committee and Final Stages.
Section I agreed to.
SECTION 2.
Question proposed: "That section 2 stand part of the Bill."
Under the supplementary welfare scheme, mortgage relief — less about £3.10 — is granted. Sometimes difficulties arise in relation to interest, people may not be able to claim tax relief as they are mostly paying back the capital sum. I accept that that can be a problem.
Families under strain of this kind can get a supplement from the local health authority. Is it possible that any money paid out in welfare or assistance would not be paid by the health authority? It should be paid directly from the local unemployment exchange.
The Senator should deal with the section.
In many respects I agree with Senator Cregan but, of course, the community welfare offices are attached to the health board and they examine all cases. The Commission on Social Welfare recommended that this function should be taken over by the Department of Social Welfare, although there will be administrative difficulties involved. Broadly speaking, that is a desirable development and one which we may well see in the not too distant future.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 3 and 4 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment and received for Final Consideration.
The question is, "That the Bill do now pass". I think the Question is carried.
Senators
Vótáil.
Will the Senators who are claiming a division please rise?
Five or more Senators stood.
The division will proceed.
Question put.
The Seanad divided: Tá, 19; Níl, 6.
Tá
- Bohan, Edward Joseph.
- Byrne, Sean.
- Cassidy, Donie.
- Eogan, George.
- Fallon, Sean.
- Farrell, Willie.
- Fitzgerald, Tom.
- Fitzsimons, Jack.
- Hanafin, Des.
- Kiely, Rory.
- Lanigan, Mick.
- Lydon, Donal.
- McGowan, Patrick.
- McKenna, Tony.
- Mooney, Paschal.
- Mullooly, Brian.
- O'Callaghan, Vivian.
- Ó Conchubhair, Nicolás.
- Ryan, William.
Níl
- Harte, John.
- Norris, David.
- O'Toole, Joe.
- Robinson, Mary T.W.
- Ross, Shane P.N.
- Ryan, Brendan.
Tellers: Tá, Senators W. Ryan, and Farrell; Níl, Senators B. Ryan and Norris.
Question declared carried.
Will the Acting Leader of the House indicate when it is proposed to sit again?
It is proposed to sit at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.
Is that agreed?
Senators
No.
Question, "That the House do now adjourn until 10.30 a.m. tomorrow", put and declared carried.
The Seanad adjourned at 5.35 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 1 June 1989.