Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

One aspect not highlighted by the Minister in his response was the community welfare payment for housing supports. That is a significant disincentive to people. Every Deputy in this House knows people who are either living apart or stating that they are living apart, as they would lose the rent assistance when one person works. I am aware that the system is changing towards a rent assistance scheme. Will the Minister consider looking at an interim arrangement? It will take four years for the rent assistance scheme to come into effect.

I always thought Ireland was regarded as a family friendly country. I know of families who live apart. I presume that other Members are aware of similar examples caused by a family's financial situation. I am sure the Minister is aware that some people feel they spend their lives looking over their shoulders and that the system has made them dishonest. While I do not condone it when people work and claim for benefits to which they are not entitled, it is human nature to so do. If the system is bad, it is important that one parent payments are not examined in isolation. The entire gamut of payments, including community welfare payments on housing, must also be considered.

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