Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Where does one draw the line? What happens if a family is in rent arrears or water rates arrears to a council? The Minister is no longer setting the terms but says it is perfectly fair for a local authority to set those terms. In the House yesterday, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, widened the issue and said it was fair for a council where a family was in arrears to attach those conditions. I hope the Minister will clarify the issue at the committee today, lay down a consistent approach and take responsibility for the conditions for receiving maintenance grants. It is not acceptable that it should be tied and that others should decide the issue.