Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

That is the point I am trying to make. This is the first review of all the allowances in God knows how many years, if ever. We are reviewing every sector of expenditure for the first time in my Department so we can determine objectively whether shoe allowances or others are proper and fit for purpose in 2012 and in the current economic climate. I will be making a discernment on that and will present it to the House for its views thereon in due course.

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