Mr. Paul Smith:

On the question of the exemption or disregard, it would be easier if it were set at figure X. It would be up to the committee to decide what that figure should be but we would obviously be calling for it to be as high as possible. In the context of new schemes coming online, if the disregard is fixed at a figure of X, that should apply to all schemes. That would take care of the simplicity issue. All four organisations here are arguing that it should be easy to apply and that things should be streamlined between Revenue and the Department of Social Protection so that there not different rules in different areas. That should not happen.

It should be simple, straightforward and easy to apply for. That is our message. It is what we hear from our members.