Mr. Rónán Hession:

I apologise to Senator Wall that he had to ask me his question a third time and that is why I am keen to comment. The PUP is a statutory scheme so it is limited. Unfortunately, people aged 17, notwithstanding that they were working and paying taxes, will not qualify for PUP. We have a supplementary welfare allowance available if there is an urgent financial need or if people are in financial difficulty. I encourage anyone in that position and who is in difficulty to contact our community welfare service.

I will ask Ms Leonard to speak to the points about online forms and the Christmas bonus. I understand the point Deputy Ó Cuív has made about the duration of courses and we note that.