Social Welfare Bill ‘bulldozed’ through

DEEP budget cuts in welfare payments were last night condemned as unjust and unnecessary as the measures were rushed through the Dáil.

Rowdy scenes saw opposition TDs repeatedly try to delay the legislation as they insisted Government deputies should face public “wrath” over the weekend before casting their votes.

The Social Welfare Bill cuts benefits by 4.1% on average, with child benefit being reduced by €16 a month, the weekly carer’s benefit down by €8.20 and big cuts in unemployment benefit for those under 25.