Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

It is a 2% cut across the board for payments but it is taken from people's income at a time of the year when they are most vulnerable. It will lead to moneylenders having a field day coming up to Christmas. There has already been significant pressure on families in the run up to September because of the increase in the cost of going to school and delays in processing the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance. That has put massive pressure on families and at Christmas this decision will put significant additional pressure on families when they need income the most.

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