Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am glad the Minister supports this provision of the Social Welfare Act 2010. The Minister's briefing document states that administrative arrangements are currently being put in place with a view to introducing these rates very shortly. What is meant by "very shortly"? When will she make an announcement on this? This legislation was enacted in 2010 and arrangements are being put in place. It is up to the Minister to decide on these rates, when they are to be introduced and how it will work.

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