Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There is flexibility in the system. I do not want to see councils being tied down by rules and regulations because that takes away the flexibility they have. There are rules and criteria but ultimately human beings deal with other human beings. Council officials are aware of people's circumstances and if someone's circumstances are particularly difficult, I cannot say councils are so horrendous they will not try to do something about it. Individual cases should be dealt with on an individual basis.