Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The Minister decided not to touch the payments to the huge swathes of rich pensioners around the country. When in opposition, she always talked about poverty traps, but she has created a great new one and I will explain how. If one's spouse is earning €380 a week and the amount increases to more than €400, one will lose €70. There is no tapering of this measure. If the Minister said she was taking away the half rate payment for those earning €800 to €1,000 a week, I would be with her all the way to the bank. At the very least, she should have provided for tapering. We are experts at clinics and will warn people that whatever they do, they should not go above the figure of €400 if they cannot jump to approximately €600 or €700. The Minister of State, Deputy Ring, who is sensible will know exactly what to tell his constituents this weekend. He will tell them not to earn money if they cannot move from €300 to €700. This measure should be tapered. Will the Minister reconsider the issue and come back with an amendment next week?

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