Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the reintroduction of the 100% Christmas bonus, which is a measure every member of this committee called for over many years. It is significant that this is the first time in ten years that a 100% Christmas bonus payment will be made. It will be made this week and that is welcome for the people who receive it.

There was higher than anticipated expenditure on treatment benefit, which is probably good news because it means a big take-up of the scheme. Has the Department examined the numbers involved? Deputy O'Dea asked if it was down to the self-employed taking up their entitlement. Does the Minister foresee a greater take-up in the coming years?

It is welcome that the live register continues to fall, with 39,000 fewer people on it this year. What figures are anticipated for the coming year? Is the figure expected to reduce further as more people return to work?