Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Has the Minister had discussions with the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran on this matter? The Department of Social Protection has done what it can, regardless of whether we agree with it, in terms of cuts in the rent supplement. The Minister has made it as unattractive as he possibly can and while that might not have been the intention, that is what he has done. There is some merit in some of the ways he went about doing that. His most recent decision at least took into account varying prices in different areas, which I welcome. The Minister cannot do all what is required unless the other Department plays its role. From the point of view of having cohesive Government, will we see action on this and will the Minister try to force action on the part of this ministerial colleagues in Government to ensure that this problem is tackled? It involves €0.5 billion a year out of a budget that he knows will be squeezed.

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