Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

We are aware of the issue. It is being considered at present because it highlights exactly the trap in which one can end up when instigating and trying to target new and better policies. One can end up creating a situation which was not foreseen but which appears on the horizon.

This is not unique and has happened before in other areas. The Department, with the Minister of State with responsibility for children, is examining this issue to ensure the policy, which is intended to have a beneficial effect, does not have negative consequences. The last thing we want is to encourage people to leave the workforce and re-enter the social welfare system. We want people to move in the opposite direction.

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