Social welfare rates should not be cut, says FF

Fianna Fáil has said social welfare rates should not be cut to meet the shortfalls in PRSI contributions.

It comes as differences re-emerge between Labour and Fine Gael on the issue.

Comments by junior finance minister Brian Hayes that “a general reduction in rates of social welfare might well be the way to go,” have been described as “bizarre” by Willie O’Dea, Fianna Fáil’s spokesman on social protection. He said Mr Hayes’s comments show “how quickly he and his colleagues have become disconnected with reality”. He said Fianna Fáil would “robustly resist” any efforts to cut welfare rates.