David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his comments and concern on this issue. I hope he will be proactive in this regard. He has said he is not aware of any evidence of persons enduring hardship as a consequence of this condition. Perhaps he might ask the Combat Poverty Agency or another suitable body to examine the situation.

If children in such circumstances are living in consistent poverty — to use the Minister's favourite way of measuring poverty — there is serious cause for concern. Consistent poverty is measured by such deprivations as not having a second pair of shoes or a change of clothes. The information I have received is that this may apply in some cases. It would be useful if the Minister would ask the Combat Poverty Agency to report on this soon in order that we all know what is happening.

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