Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It will be part of a modern framework. The process will not be lawyer-driven, as the Deputy sought, but as we have outlined. It has been approved in this House and I anticipate it will be approved in the Upper House. Upon its signature, we will proceed to continue with the unprecedented investment we are making in this area. I am aware of the specific case to which the Deputy has referred. It is obviously a very difficult issue for individual families. It is a matter with which we dealt in our budgetary statements last year and we will continue to do all we can in a specific way and more generally to provide a service to families who find themselves in this very difficult position. I do not wish to comment on the specific court judgment.

See this speech in context