Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Notwithstanding the validity of several of the points that have been made by previous speakers, I think it is the case – the Minister of State can correct me if I am wrong – that some employers, for example, can agree with local authorities to facilitate deductions at source where tenants, for whatever reason, feel it would be useful to them. In terms of social welfare recipients, I do not believe they should be singled out but two basic principles should be at play. First, where tenants consider it would be advantageous and would assist them in their overall financial management and where they are willing to agree to a deduction at source, that should be facilitated. I would welcome the inclusion of a such a provision in the legislation because it would help many people who have difficulty in managing their finances. When we look at the work of MABS, for example, we realise that there are many people who find it extremely difficult to manage the very scarce financial resources available to them. Whether that is the result of austerity or circumstances that prevailed prior to the advent of austerity is perhaps a moot point.

On the proposed amendment which addresses deductions of 15% or 5%, I believe the 5% proposal is reasonable in all circumstances and I urge the Minister of State to take that on board. As we discussed previously, people who are in arrears with their payments, when under pressure, are inclined to agree to practically anything. The deduction of 15% would be excessive and would be likely to give rise to real and sustainable hardship in most families who are in receipt of social welfare payments. The Minister of State has not accepted any amendments to date. I hope she will make a name for herself with this legislation and be brave enough to accept the amendment.

See this speech in context