Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I will not tell Deputy Creed what he should think. However, it is open to be construed as derogatory.

It is important to remind all Members that Ministers routinely meet constituents and officials all the time. Much of the time, Ministers meet officials about cases referred to them by colleagues in this House. Quite frequently these representations are from the Opposition benches. We must be very careful that we do not set up barriers that are artificial and that cannot be sustained by the realities of life.

Deputy Sheahan also referred to taking the Minister to court and that is not unusual in this sector. Deputy Sheahan was also under the impression the family could not have qualified because two members had drowned. That is incorrect. A relative of a large tranche of the family could have qualified and did in some cases.

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