Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Carey mentioned family carers, which is an important area. There has been a delay in processing claims for the carer's allowance and carer's benefit. I am pleased to report that the situation has improved in the past four months. Medical assessments are now being done a lot quicker but the process is still a little slow.

Deputy Brady mentioned the retention of the travel pass. The Deputy can be assured that it will be retained. On dental treatment benefit, there is a programme for Government commitment in that regard but, obviously, I cannot say whether that will be provided for in the forthcoming budget. It may be a matter for a future budget. On the working family payment, it is hoped work in that regard will be completed this year and that it will be introduced in budget 2018. I have had meetings with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, on the matter and we will continue to work closely on it and will also consult the committee on it. The key objective of the working family payment is to reduce child poverty, which is crucial, and to make work pay such that families that enter the workforce are better off for doing so.