Mr. Se?n Moynihan:

I think the point about housing was well made. At the end of the day, approximately 30% of people who are renting are getting a HAP. If we do not make a change and that continues into retirement, the pension is around €1,600 per month, but the cost of supplementing people's rent will be much higher. The reality is that people will not be able to afford the rents where they were living, where they raised their kids or in their communities. There is a limited geographical area and limited availability where people will take a HAP. That really underlines that the social protection system needs to be addressed.

The other point the Deputy made is that people are using the offices of public representatives, Alone and everyone else to get access to the system now, which has regressed since the Covid-19 pandemic. We are all seeing on the ground how hard it is to get in touch with community welfare officers and others and the longer decision times. Ultimately, that needs to change.

A slight change of philosophy is needed. Years ago, people used to fill out a form and the Department of taxation checked every form that came in. The Department had all these people and bureaucracy checking every form, for anyone who is old enough to remember that. It was switched around, the Department trusted everyone and now it carries out audits. It is considered the most efficient Department in the State. With such a change of philosophy, the Department of Social Protection could be an outlier and other Departments could follow.