Mr. R?n?n Hession:

When we assess means-tested social welfare schemes, we can look at means and, as was mentioned earlier, we have better, more current information that we can use to get a more accurate result for people. We do not have real-time information on what people spend. The means tests, disregards and thresholds are set in the full knowledge that we are just looking at income and that people will have expenses. If one was to try to implement and allow for what outgoings people have, we would need real-time information. It would be different for every person in every household. The payment would be different for everybody in every household. It is probably unlikely that the Government could afford a €350 disregard on a net basis. That would be a significant change from where we are now. There are practical elements and cost implications of going down that route. It is a legitimate thing for the committee to consider and recommend. I am not trying to pour cold water on it but to explain why the system is not designed that way and the practical import of that route.