David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

The Minister is aware that widows and widowers under 66 constitute another group that often experiences great hardship. As Deputy Penrose noted, losing a spouse, who was possibly the family breadwinner, is very stressful. Wives are often left to care for children with a dramatically reduced income and no emotional supports. I am not sure of the numbers of widows or widowers under 66. A person in his or her late 40s or early 50s who finds himself or herself in that situation needs that extra support. It has been said that we should pay more attention and give more support to widows and widowers.

Deputy Penrose made the wise suggestion that household benefits could be extended to widows and widowers under 66 for a short period or until they could return to work if they were not previously in employment. Many widows who gave up work to rear children face financial pressure.

Could the Minister tell us whether the Department has carried out research into the possibility of extending household benefits to widows and widowers under 66 as the matter has been raised over the years? It is a very important proposal and it is a pity we do not have more time on Committee Stage to tease out these issues. I look forward to the Minister's response to this amendment.

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