Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Aontaím leis an Teachta go mbíonn an fhírinne searbh; tá a fhios sin ag gach duine. Is fíor a rá nach bhfuil a ndóthain chompoird ag cuid mhaith daoine ag an bpointe seo agus cuireann sin isteach go mór orthu go pearsanta agus ó thaobh cúrsaí sóisialta.

The Deputy is aware that the changes made to the fuel allowance mean it operates for six months of the year. That is obviously a reduction from what it used to be but six months is a considerable period during which fuel allowance is made available.

The Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, clarified the position in regard to the five women who were referred to yesterday in the Dáil. As I understand it, the changes being made mean that those citizens will not be confined in locked quarters.

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