Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I opposed the reduction of social welfare payments to people under 26. Doing that created a situation whereby a divide came in.

It was presented as though people's kids were living at home, they did not need that much, they were being given their dinner at home and so on. It did not consider that minorities are affected very differently by homelessness, direct provision or people having dependent children living with them. The proposal to extend recognised exceptions to the age-related payments is a good one. It is not saying that everyone should be included but that at least these people would be included. It is a three stage process to bringing it back completely, I hope.

Has Crosscare had the opportunity to discuss this directly with the Minister? Its submission said it would cost €5 million to €6 million. Is that for the 900?