Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make one point before I let in Deputy Kirk. It is clear that what Mr. Whelan wants is for the pension of €230 to be available at the age 65 years, and, therefore, that the people concerned would not have to avail of the jobseeker's benefit. Does he think the arrangement as it stands devalues the jobseeker's system? I declare an interest. Many years ago I worked for the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed. It was clear that unemployment benefits were a payment of social solidarity for people while they were seeking work. Does Mr. Whelan have a difficulty with the fact that the Department has found this solution to the conundrum that has been created?