Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)

The Ceann Comhairle always allows us to debate the question. This is an important topic. I will not be stifled by people telling me what to do.

Is the Minister aware that his proposal would create new poverty traps? Is he happy with that? Unless the Minister deals with the question of poverty traps and child care, he can tear up the proposals. The cohabitation rule should be scrapped. Too many inspectors are used by the Department of Social and Family Affairs knocking on doors checking welfare recipients. No matter how often we tell them particular situations arise, they still carry out their investigations. Will the issues raised at Farmleigh be addressed? We knew anyway that we would not see it this side of an election.

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