John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The key point in this example is that the present criteria discriminate against those with a university degree who cannot get employment who are trying to reskill to find employment. The Minister made the good point recently that she does not want to facilitate those who see social welfare as a lifestyle choice. The example I have mentioned is forcing this person to stay on social welfare. The discretion with the social welfare facilitator has gone. In the long-term for this small group, there must be a way to facilitate them in a way that makes savings for the Department because it will take people off the live register.

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