Mixed messages emerge over social welfare cuts

MIXED messages have emerged from the Government on whether cuts in social welfare are on the cards.

Yesterday, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said the value of social welfare payments will be looked at — although this will not happen independent of broader budgetary measures. He said the Government had increased welfare payments during the boom years, but the levels will be considered along with everything else.

“These are budgetary matters and... in good times obviously we’ve been able to bring significant improvements to those who require and depend upon social welfare.

“With increased resources available to the state during the course of those years, we made every effort, not only to meet inflation issues but even to go beyond because, as you know, people on fixed incomes do require the state to continue to be of assistance to them in difficult times. So all these matters will be looked at,” he said.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan expressed similar sentiments on Sunday night when he said all aspects of Government spending will be examined and would not commit to keeping the current levels intact.

However, Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin said there was no intention of cutting benefits. “The is no intention in Government, there is nothing on the table to reduce the social welfare payments,” she said. She told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland she hoped an expected drop in consumer prices would give social welfare recipients better value for money and there was unlikely to be any increase in payments this year.

Another set of conflicting comments have emerged separately on the cabinet’s approach to the Government jet. The Taoiseach said he did not see merit in the suggestion by Environment Minister John Gormley that the use of the jet be restricted.

Mr Gormley told a Young Green Party interviewer he had recently flown Ryanair and considered it as better value for money. However, Mr Cowen said “in the context of a government doing its business in the modern age there is a need for such facilities. They are only used where it is appropriate”.

Mr Gormley said he accepted it was practical for the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs Minister to use the aircraft for official business.