Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This measure affects children under the age of 16 years. A person who reaches the age of 16 years receives disability benefit and this will continue to be the position from 1 January. This measure proposed in the budget which has been signed off on by the Cabinet is obviously one of great sensitivity and as such is now being paused. It will not be included in the social welfare Bill to be introduced this week because it is being reviewed by the chairperson of the advisory group on social welfare and taxation issues. This is appropriate in view of the fact that it is part of the requirements of the memorandum of understanding with the troika which admitted that it would be difficult to implement. There will be a review by that person which will come back to the Minister for Social Protection for consideration by the Government. The measures announced yesterday in the budget do not affect those aged between 16 and 24 years because they are in receipt of a disability benefit payment. The Government has heard about the sensitive cases and reacted to them in a budget of €3,800 million. We will address the issue. The chairperson of the advisory group is an eminent person from the perspectives of taxation and social protection issues. As I said, the measure will not be included in the Bill to be introduced by the Minister tomorrow.

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