Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)

First and foremost, even though it is six months on, I welcome the Minister to this Department, rannóg na Gaeltachta and the other sections as well. I was going to ask a question on the bereaved partner's pension. I am pleased the Minister has indicated that this will be coming fairly rapidly. I am sure there will be support for it across the House because there are many people - we all know some - who are looking forward to receiving an income from this. I welcome the fact that the Minister is working towards the elimination of the carer's allowance means test but, in the meantime, he mentioned the disregard. Perhaps he might repeat that comment for us. When will that be taken into consideration? It is gratifying to note that back-to-school allowance applications will now be taken. Many families have no choice but to apply for that. The school meals programme represents money well spent. Many children in this country depend on a full meal on the days they are in school.

On an unfortunate issue, I know there must always be a cut-off date with legislation but I have come across a number of situations in which people would have been entitled to the annual respite grant had the person they cared for lived another two or three days. Is it black and white or would the Minister consider a pro rata payment for those who had given care for almost 12 months but who lost the full year because the last payment at the end of May or on 5 June was missed? Could that be considered? When the bereaved partner's pension legislation comes into force, will it apply retrospectively?