Dáil passes cuts to dole and maternity benefit
The Dáil has passed the votes to cut to the dole for under 26's, to reduce maternity benefit and to abolish the bereavement grant.
A final vote on the Social Welfare Bill will take place this afternoon.
It will then go to the Seanad the week after next where the Government's majority is much tighter.
Minister Joan Burton told opposition deputies they should go to small and medium businesses and ask them to hire even one young person.
The Social Protection Minister has refused to delay planned cuts to maternity benefit next year.
The standardisation of the payment will commence as planned on January 1, resulting in a cut of €832 for 97% of pregnant women.
Opposition TD's from the Reform Alliance had put down an amendment to the Social Welfare Bill to delay the move until next September to allow for those planning a baby or due to give birth next year not to face a cut.
Former junior minister Lucinda Creighton says pregnant women are being unfairly targeted.
