Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Yes. The Deputy must appreciate that in respect of the habitual residence condition there is a line between people moving to this country and claiming significant benefits from the State, which is currently under pressure, in a situation where they are not habitually resident in this country. They were in receipt of payments for a year, their case was reviewed and it is now subject to an oral hearing. They may have additional information or evidence they wish to submit to the oral hearing. The appeals mechanism is independent of the Minister and is in operation.

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