Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will not crack that one. It takes years of experience.

We accept that. He sees the validity and notes what we are saying, and he is saying he will consider it. He is not saying "Yes" or "No", and he has not rejected it. It is up to any Oireachtas Member if they want deal with that issue. That is how I see it. It is legislation, full stop. It is the finance Bill. One would then have to get the signature of the Taoiseach, and I am sure there would be a cost to the Exchequer, but we will not even get into that debate.

The next item concerns the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The report states that the committee recommends that an annual review take place to ensure the new controls regarding overpayments to jobseeker's under 25 are working effectively. When they introduced that scheme, there were different rates for persons under 21, those aged 21 to 25, and those over 26. It was difficult for the Department. It was a new scheme and there were inconsistencies across the Department. Officials told us at the time there was one person in each office with particular expertise who looked at all of this. They have acknowledged the work has been carried out. The most recent review was conducted in February 2019 and all cases reviewed were confirmed as being correct. A further review is being planned, subject to the outcome being satisfactory and, in line with the recommendations of the Committee of Public Accounts, it is proposed to schedule further reviews on an annual basis. The Department has taken up the recommendation and worked on it. The recent reports of cases examined means they are fully correct, so at least the recommendation is being carried through and the Department is going to keep an eye on it into the future.