Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There will be those over 70 years in paid employment who are tax contributors and who will be treated differently from those under 70 on the basis of gross rather than net income. I heard this referenced in the consideration of the Bill on Second Stage. I listened carefully to the Minister's reply on that occasion.

It is a question of understanding why the Minister lowered the qualifying threshold for a couple by a greater percentage than that applying to a single person. It could encourage a couple to break up. I am not suggesting that might happen in many cases, but it could apply in some. If the couple were earning over €900 or had that gross income stream, they would qualify for a medical card if they were living separately rather than together. Some might scoff or laugh at that idea, although the Minister of State has not. The fact of the matter is that it is a by-product of what is being provided for in the legislation. It is another weakness and, accordingly, merits being highlighted again today.