Mr. Ciarán Lawler:

It would depend on the composition of the household because other measures were taken in the budget, and in previous years' budgets, with regard to increases in, for example, the qualified child allowance. This was again informed by research on the minimum essential standard of living. There were also changes to the fuel allowance and to means tests. If he is just looking at the primary rate, the Deputy is correct but, if he looks at this issue in the round, it depends on the family type and the individual circumstances.