Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I would cite an example, which will back up what Deputy O'Dea said, of a person who was in receipt of a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant bearing in mind that such a grant is not paid until the person has spent the money. People apply to their bank or credit union on the basis that they will get the money back by way of the grant in six months time. If in the meantime the State, under this provision, makes a call on that money, the person concerned would have the expectation of obtaining a grant of, say, €3,000 for insulation and suddenly the State, having discovering something untoward whether through its fault or the fault of the person, can take that €3,000, leaving the person high and dry without any ability to make their repayment. We should be careful to ensure that in such circumstances money in respect of grants that are payable, be it a sustainable energy grant, disability grant or other grant, should not be taken straightaway. The matter should be discussed with the person involved and account should be taken of his or her ability to pay the amount involved.