Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator will be aware that I responded to a similar amendment on Committee Stage in the Dáil. I committed to looking at this area and to preparing a report for Deputy Ó Laoghaire. I have asked my officials to look at the matter and complete a report on it - I even put a timeframe on it - by June of next year. As the Senator said, I am familiar with this case. While I have huge sympathy for the person involved, it is fair to say that a collection agent collects the payment for the recipient. They are not the person who it is intended will get the payment. However, I understand the specific case of a mother who was looking after a child who passed away. It is a sad case. I am happy to carry out a report on it.