Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I believe in listening to such groups. I met 35 or more of them in the past year and my officials and I spent an hour or more with each. I have offered each one a second meeting, if it wishes to attend. I am fully available around the clock to talk to the groups and to politicians. As I have said many times, politicians have a special knowledge of this subject because of the clinics they hold every week. They listen to people and hear their stories at first hand. I listen very carefully and the budget will reflect that I have been listening to the groups in question.

I heard what Deputy Crowe said on the need for an annual payment. The logistics are such that it is easier to make the fuel allowance available with other payments. However, I will give some thought to what the Deputy said.

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