David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his response. Has the Minister received the report on the second tier payment? Will he agree that he will not be in a position now to make the necessary changes for the budget and the forthcoming Social Welfare Bill that any such report might suggest? Given that will probably be the case, what are the Minister's plans to introduce a second tier payment in the medium to short term? If he is not in a position to make changes in the budget and the Social Welfare Bill, does that mean these people will have to wait another year before improvements are made? Is the Minister totally dependent on the report from the NESC or has he made any further progress in his Department with regard to making it easier for people to access the back to school clothing and footwear allowance and FIS in particular, given that the uptake of both appears to be quite low? Does he agree with the Combat Poverty Agency that the uptake of FIS is only about 40% of the eligible applicants? Has he any plans to improve that? Is the Minister satisfied that in all Department offices nationwide there are clearly displayed signs indicating the availability of the FIS payment and, if not, will he ensure such signs are put in place in prominent positions?

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