Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The specific arrangements that apply here do not address the position of separated or divorced people. I am not trying to be obstructive. Specific arrangements for means testing are laid down here. They do not address the dilemmas that arise if one is separated or divorced. I am not critical of the protection the Minister is giving unmarried couples, I am merely explaining that an unmarried person who separates has greater protection than a married or divorced person under the peculiarities of the new means testing rules applicable to the over 70s on this scheme.

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