Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)
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Deputy O'Dea asked about budgets. What is the budget for the work equipment support grant?

Is there a link-up with the HSE with regard to assessing what is needed or does it just pertain to computers and such like? Does the Department take in equipment the HSE also might supply and is there an overlap in this regard? As for the self-employed, the fact that groups such as the Self-Employed Alliance Dundalk are being established means it is becoming a big issue. I have been approached by both the people themselves and their mothers. The latter have been in great distress about their sons in their 30s and 40s with young families who are unable to access benefits. Their perception, from the feedback I get, is they are not entitled to anything. That is the word on the street, regardless of whether it is true. I listen to accounts about all the hoops they must go through to secure the jobseeker's allowance and they have no money.

On the broader issue of social insurance for the self-employed, am I correct that Ms Mary Kennedy suggested it would cost €87 million on present figures? Second, I note the present PRSI payment is 4%, while class A is 14.75%. Are members to take anything from those two figures in respect of costs and the forthcoming report? It would be great were Ms Kennedy in a position to provide members with an indication of what is being considered in that report. I thank her for her presentation.