Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)

While I understand the Minister's point, the Revenue Commissioners are able to identify and trace all sources of funds. For example, a small-scale farmer has identity and TB cards for his or her cattle and the TB office keeps records also. If a person wins money with a prize bond, it is readily identifiable. The problem is not as significant as the Minister contends. He will run into difficulties when a legal case is taken on the basis of invidious discrimination and he will face a serious mess. The Department should immediately notify all old-age non-contributory pensioners and widows of the operation of the clawback. Many people are saving for a rainy day or to pass on an inheritance and when they die, the sums involved will be included in the calculation of assets for the clawback. Last year, the Department clawed back over €5 million. This is a serious problem and I alert the Minister to the steam train approaching him in the form of a legal action if he does not tackle it.

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