Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

If it was merely a matter of changing the cohabitation rule, we could do it tomorrow morning. However, it is not possible to proceed in that way because there are huge knock-on effects, involving many other aspects of the social welfare system, which must be taken into consideration. I want to get agreement between the various parties to the different perspectives, particularly those who come from an especially narrow perspective to represent a point of view about a particular issue.

I accept that we must change the system. I would like the process to reach a conclusion very quickly. I would be happy to introduce legislation to deal not only with cohabitation but with the wide range of issues that surround it. I hope those involved in the process and in consultation can reach agreement. There are different perspectives on various aspects of this. Nevertheless, I fundamentally agree with the substantive point made by Deputies Shortall and Enright, namely, that the existing cohabitation rule is wrong and must be abolished. The quicker we abolish it the better.

See this speech in context