When Charles Haughey, as Minister for Finance, brought forward the household benefits package, the then Secretary General of the Department, Mr. Ken Whitaker, pleaded with him not to introduce the free travel and free electricity schemes. Charles Haughey told me this in 2003. He resisted that pleading and it was one of the best decisions ever made by a Minister for Finance. It is regrettable that the Government and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, are withdrawing the free telephone service. That service is a major boost to the elderly, especially those living alone. I ask the Government to reverse what is a very mean cut.

The Senator's party would have done more.

Senator Terry Leyden to continue, without interruption.

It is said it will ensure there will be no more calls to "Liveline" and that Joe Duffy will not have the opportunity of listening to the people if the telephone allowance is cut. That is a major blow. It is also a major blow to the elderly people who use pendants for safety and security. This will cost more to the safety and security of the elderly than anything that is saved. I recommend strongly what Senator Mary White said in her very good contribution. This cut should be examined and reversed very quickly. It will be introduced in January 2014 and it is causing great concern.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

I would like the Leader to use his great influence. He certainly influenced and succeeded in bringing about the retention of this House when he opposed the Government's view. Do not tell me that the saving of €20 million which was to have come about by the abolition of this House will be made in the form of a cut in the telephone allowance of the elderly. That would be a savage cut and a vindictive approach.

I commend Senator Mary Ann O'Brien's point on job creation and the distillery operation that has been proposed. The Government has delivered a major blow to the on-licence trade and while I must confess a certain vested interest-----