Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

When a person finds himself or herself in a position to be eligible for the living alone allowance, the reality is that the only expense in the house that lessens is that of clothes and perhaps, in a small way, of food. Every other household bill remains the same as if two people were in the house. This has been brought home to me time and again by people who find themselves in this position. Their income has reduced because now only one payment comes in and they find it impossible. The cost of everything, oil, insurance, car, etc., must be met by a single person. It is very difficult and we must examine the situation.

I thought the Minister was considering this issue prior to the budget but that does not appear to be the case. I support the amendment because I believe this difficulty must be addressed. It has not been addressed in many years.

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