Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I accept that and that there is a differential between a person in a local authority, and one on rent subsidy but I cannot accept that the clawback should be such a high percentage of the increase in social welfare payment. I have no problem that the Minister should try to bring this in line, raising it over a period of time. I accept that should be the way. However, the fact that 60% or 70% is being taken back in one fell swoop, because people expect they will get €7 of an increase, is a big problem. I guarantee that the people who are expecting that do not anticipate a second whammy, namely, that they will have to pay €5 extra when the cheque arrives from the community welfare officer.

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