Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to put on record that we are a bit disappointed that the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, could not join us this morning. The committee gave her a lot of flexibility to attend today's meeting. We are dealing with the recommendations from the citizens' assembly. People gave up their time to contribute to it and it is a pity the Minister of State is not here. I do not blame the witnesses, but those who turn up sometimes get the flak. I do not mean it in that way.

Social Justice Ireland has expressed its disappointment that increases in social welfare in recent years were non-existent and this year's increase did not bring people above the poverty line.

We have had several engagements on this issue. Poverty costs people a fortune. They cannot afford, for example, to get the good uniforms out of which their children would get a few years of use. They must buy cheaper clothes that go to rags. I am a member of the climate committee, at which we have talked, in the context of poverty, about prepay meters, which mean people are paying a premium for electricity, whereas the provider suffers no risk. Those customers should be getting a discount. It seems everything is stacked against people who are below the poverty line. These issues affect one-parent families, people with disabilities, those with long-term illnesses and carers, whom we are discussing today, in particular.

I cannot ask the Minister for her view because she is not here. Is it the view of the departmental officials that social welfare increases should be evidence-based and informed by research and expertise? Will they also comment on benchmarking?