Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is in the ballpark. I have a broader issue to discuss, but I asked a specific question on section 178D and the gross weekly earnings in excess of the amount specified in section 173(3). What income level are we discussing? Section 178D on page 5 of the list of amendments deals with the continuation of one-parent family payments following certain disqualifications. If someone is disqualified - it is a funny word, but it is the technical one being used - from receiving the one-parent family payment because he or she is on the back-to-education allowance scheme, I presume he or she can swap back to that payment again. Every Deputy agrees this is fine, but reference is made to a second group of people who may be able to resume the payment after being disqualified on the basis of having gross weekly earnings in excess of the amount specified in section 173(3) of the principal Act. What is the income level involved and is there any flexibility in that regard? The legislation specifically refers to a figure for gross weekly earnings, but what is the figure?

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