Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I already know I will not agree with what Deputy Kenny thinks, but I will watch it and come back to him.

In reply to Deputy O'Dea, my advice is that the legislation would not overarch any current contract law, but I will ask again. I am not opposed to doing it and I do not think anyone else is either. It would be easier than the method I would have to employ in my head, which is to lead by example in the State. However, I very much want to try to encourage people to stay working if that is what they want to do. That usually involves incentives. That is the way we should do it in our Department, leading by example. There are other Departments which could provide other measures but I would hope that will be employed. Certainly, I will check it out and come back to Deputy O'Dea because I am not opposed to doing it.

To answer the questions on MABS, it has started to restructure. I met with the CEO only this morning. The changes which were mooted on foot of the consultation process initiated by MABS earlier this year are starting to be put in place. MABS will continue to consult with the people with whom they are working and, ultimately, serve. They are starting that. As such, the direct answer to the question I was asked is "Yes, the board has signed off on it".

I am concerned by what Deputy O'Dea said about our supplementary welfare allowance because it has actually increased in value this year by almost 15%. If the Deputy has reason to believe people are being turned away, that would genuinely concern me because it is not the practice we employ. The reason it is there is to help people in in-between scenarios.